


i A Jl i::^ .r^ 



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MA, J OF "EDWIN A.SHERMAN 





Class /r. 

Book 'L 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 




JOHN DRAKE SLOAT, U. S. N., Rear- Admiral (Retired). 

Born July 26, 17S1. at Sloatbury, near Goshen, Rockland County, New York. 

Midshipman, U. S. Navy, February 12th. 1800. 

Sailing Master, U. S. Navy, February 7th, 1812. (He manoeuvered the frigate "United States" under Com- 
modore Decatur, when he captured the crack frigate "Macedonian," of the British Navy, October 25th, 1S12, and 
received the thaiiks of Congress.) 

Lieutenant, July 24th, 1S12. (Commanded the schooner "Grampus," and suppressed Cofrecinas, the last of the 
West India pirates, in March 1S25, who was captured and shot.) 

Post Captain, February 9th, 1837. 

Commodore, November ist, 1843. (August 27th, 1844, ordered to command the I'acific Sciuadron. and on July 
7th, 1846, took possession of California and hoisted the American flag at Monterey. He located the Navy Yard at 
Mare Island, California in 1S52.) 

Rear Admiral on the Retired List, August 6th, 1S66. 

Died at Staten Island, New York, November 28th, 1867, aged 86 years, 4 months and 2 days. 

Buried with Masonic and Naval Military honors in Greenwood Cemetery, L. L. by St. Nicholas Lodge, No. 321, 
F. and A. M., and Tompkinsville Lodge, F. and A. M., and the Naval Battalion of Marines and Sailors, November 
30th, 1867. 



THE LIFE 



THE LATE 

Rtiii-J\i)iiiiiiii. JmiN PmiE ^[m 

OF THE 

UNITED STATES NAVY 

WHO TOOK POSSESSION OF CALIFORNIA AND 
RAISED THE AMERICAN FLAG AT MON- 
TEREY ON JULY 7th, 1846. 

Compiled from the 
Most Authentic Sources op Family History, the Records 

KINDLY furnished BY THE U. S. NAVY DEPARTMENT, AT 

Washington, D. C, from Personal Acquaintances and 
THE Early Pioneers and Veterans of the Mex- 
ican War who Served in California in 1846-8. 
Being the Only Complete History of 
THIS Gallant, Heroic and Patri- 
otic Officer of the U. S. Navy 
EVER Published. 

Compiled by 

IVIajor Edwin A. Sherman 

Secretary of the Sloat Monument Association of California, R. V. 
Grand Secretary of the Masonic Veteran Association of the 
Pacific Coast. Editor of "Fifty Years of Masonry in 
California" and Other Works. Veteran of the 
Mexican War of 1846-8 in Mexico. Cali- 
fornia Pioneer of May 24, 1849, 
etc., etc., etc. 




OAKLAND, CAL.: 

CARRUTH & CARRUTH, PRINTERS 

1902 



THE CiBRAFlY OF 

CONGRESS, 
T«wo CopiEfc! Recsived 

OCT, 7 W02 

COPVBIOHT ENTSY 

CLASS a^XXa Mo, 
COPY 3. 



^V 



S^ 



s?^ 



Q 



[Copy] A 1 

Class A, XXc, No 28266 

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, to-wit: 

Be it remembered 

That on the 6th day of March, 1902, Edwin A. Sherman, of Oakland Cal 
bath deposited in this office the title of a book, the title of which is in the follow- 
ing words, to-wit : 

"The Life of the Late Rear- Admirai, John Drake Sloat, 

of the United States Navy, who Took Possession of California, and Raised' 
the American Flag at Monterey, on July 7th, 1846. Compiled from the 
Most Authentic Sources of Family History, the Records Kindly Fur- 
nished by the U. S. Navy Department at Washington, D. C, etc. Com- 
piled by Major Edwin A. Sherman. Oakland, Cal.: Carruth'& Carruth 
Printers, 1902," ' 

the right whereof he claims as author and proprietor in conformity with the laws 
of the United States respecting copyrights. 

Office of the Register of Copyrights 

Washington, D. C. HERBERT Putnam, 

Librarian of Congress. 
By Thorwald Solberg, 

Register of Copyrights. 



Librarian of Congress 

Copyright Office 

SEAL 

United States of A merica 



Tratcrnally Dedicated to tbc memory 

of tbe Eatc 

Rear Jiamiral 3obn DraKe Sloat, of tbc U. $. navy 
Che true Patriot, tbe Co^^ing l^usband and Jfffcctionate father; the Good 
Citizen and faithful Brother mason; the Gallant, beroic, Prompt, 
Discreet, and faithfully Obedient Officer of the U. $. nauy 
for the long period of Sixty-seoen Vears, this Biog- 
raphy of his Cife of o^)er four score and six 
years is most fraternally dedicated by 
the Compiler, 

eawin J\, Sberman, 33°. 



"Nor is our Brother wholly gone from us here below; since his in- 
fluences survive, the thoughts he uttered still live, and the effects of 
his action and exertion can never cease while the universe continues 
to exist. He has become a part of the Great Past, which gives Law to 
the Present and Future, and he still lives a real life, in the thoughts, 
the feelings and the aflfections of those who knew and loved him. The 
arm that wielded the sword is now but dust. 

"I adjure you, Brethren, in the name of Faith, Hope, Loving- 
kindness and Immortality, not to permit your duties to the dead to 
cease with these sad ceremonies. I adjure you to right his causes, to do 
justice to his memory, to defend his reputation. And I do more especially 
charge you, that you do watch over and give protection and assistance 
to any whom he hath left unprotected or destitute, or who suffering injury, 
may appeal to you in his na^ne ! Thus let us all prove ourselves good 
Knights and true Masons. Amen !" 

Masonic charge, and herein obeyed. 

B. A. S. 
Oakland, California, January 19, 1902. 



The Reasons for the Publication of this Work. 



First. No authentic biography giving the life and character of 
the late Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat, of the U. S. Navy, who 
acquired California for the United States on July 7, 1846, has ever 
heretofore been published. 

Second. To vindicate his memory from unjust aspersion, detrac- 
tion, misrepresentation and false statements, made by so-called histo- 
rians; and to place his character and gallant record as a U. S. Naval 
Officer (high in command, entrusted with a most important mission 
vital to the Nation, and faithfully executed), before the American Peo- 
ple in general, and the Citizens of California in particular. 

Third. As no one heretofore has taken any steps to perform this, 
duty, and being engaged and voluntaril}^ serving without compensation 
as the Secretary of the Sloat Monument Association of California for 
the past sixteen years, and as Chairman of the Committee of Design 
and Construction for the Sloat Monument, now in the early stage of its 
erection at Monterey, the undersigned has undertaken this work as the 
duty of a Brother Mason, as a Comrade Veteran of the Mexican War, 
who served under Generals Taylor and Scott in the Campaigns of the 
Rio Grande and from Vera Cruz to the City of Mexico in 1846-8 dur- 
ing the war with Mexico; as a California Pioneer of May 24, 1849; 
and having frequently, in the early days of California, traversed the 
whole length of the State, surveyed large portions of it, and having 
been personally acquainted with the prominent representatives of the 
Native Spanish California race, as well as with the earlier Pioneer 
American settlers who first came to California, both by sea and land, 
and with the most reliable, authentic data and records gathered and 
placed in his hands, he has prepared this work which he now places 
before his countrymen, to stir their patriotic spirit, stimulate their 
national pride, and that they may manifest their gratitude to the mem- 
ory of a gallant and discreet Naval Officer, to whom every man, woman 
and child in the State of California, not of Spanish origin, is indebted, 
and even those who are enjoying the blessings of a benign Republican 
form of Government in common with the rest, derived from the act of 
John Drake Sloat, when, as Commodore of the U. S. Navy acting 
under the orders of his Government, he took possession of California, 
and raised the American flag at Monterey on July 7, 1846. 

Fourth. That the undersigned, without presumption on his part, 



6 Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat 

has good reason for believing himself qualified for this work. During 
the Mexican War of 1846-8, he acquired a fair and practical knowledge 
of the Spanish language, being able to read and write it; and becoming 
familiar with the government printing offices, taken possession of by 
our troops at Matamoras, Monterey, and elsewhere, and by constant 
conversation with the Mexican people; and after the war, assisting in 
the organization of a Company at Philadelphia which sailed for Tam- 
pico, February i, 1849, ^^d crossed Mexico to Mazatlan, from which 
port he sailed in the Bark Fanny during the last of April of that year, 
arriving at San Francisco on May 24, 1849. 

That in the month of January of 1850, during the great floods in 
the Sacramento Valley, he went by sea to San Pedro and visited all the 
principal ranches and all the Missions from San Diego to that of San 
Jose, gathering statistics and information from all reliable sources avail- 
able, and won the confidence of the people, so much so, that one native 
Spanish-Californian, Bernardino Lopez, then of Los Angeles, entrusted 
two of his young sons to his care, and brought them through safely by 
land and delivered them to their relatives at San Jose, in February, 
1850, is sufficient to prove this statement. 

In 1850, after having participated voluntarily in the war with the 
Indians at Clear Lake, he located at Sonoma, where, in 1852, he was 
elected City Clerk of the Common Council, under the late and lamented 
General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, as Mayor, with whom he 
was officially and personally identified, as a confidential friend, as was 
also the Hon. William M. Boggs, who was then a Councilman, now 
residing in Napa, California, and we two being the only survivors of 
that City Government. We will here note, that the latter is the son of 
the late Lilburn Boggs, who was Governor of Missouri, and came to 
California with his family in 1846, and located at Sonoma. His son, 
William M. Boggs, was Captain of the Train, and during the Mexi- 
can War, volunteered and served as Sergeant Major under Capt. 
Maddox, of the U. S. Marine Corps; did gallant service against Sanchez 
and his forces near Santa Clara; was stationed many months at Mon- 
terey, and from whom much reliable and historic information has been 
obtained. 

The undersigned assisted in the translation of many of the Espedi- 
entes, or Land Grants, for the grantees as well as being engaged in the sur- 
veying of them. In 1855 he was elected County Surveyor of Sacramento 
Count}^ which office he held for several years, during which time he was 
frequently engaged in the translation of Espedientes, and assisted in the 
preliminary location and surveys of many of the Land Grants in Cali- 
fornia; and thus became acquainted with many of the original owners 
of Spanish-American blood, as well as the very earliest American Pio- 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 7 

neer settlers of our Golden State from San Diego to Russian River, and 
the headwaters of the Upper Sacr^^mento Vallej', 

In everything pertaining to the history of California, and its early 
settlement, and especially from the beginning of the period of American 
occupation, with but few exceptions, he will yield to no man living, in his 
•practical and experimental knowledge, of the true history of this State. 
He therefore confidently has undertaken this task of compiling the 
"Life and Character of Admiral John Drake Sloat," and leaves 
the judgment to its readers. 

Edwin A. Sherman, Editor and Compiler.. 
Oakland, Cal., January ig, 1902. 



INTRODUCTORY. 



OF THE MALIGNERS, FALSIFIERS AND TRADUCERS 
OF ADMIRAL JOHN DRAKE SLOAT, U. S. N. 



"TRUTH though crushed to earth shall rise" again, 
The eternal years of God are hers ; 
While Error, wounded, writhes in pain, 
And dies amid her worshippers" 

Before entering upon the Life and Character of the late Admiral 
John Drake Sloat, U. S. N., we desire briefly to refer to his tra- 
ducers. It has been totally unaccountable to the writer, why, as if by 
a preconcerted conspiracy, any attack whatever or aspersion should be 
made upon the official actions of the late Admiral John Drake Sloat, 
when, as Commodore in command of the Pacific Squadron, he faith- 
fully obeyed the orders of his Government, both in the spirit as well 
as in the letter, of his instructions sent to him, dated Washington, June 
24, 1845, and which were the only ones that he ever received either 
before or after his taking possession of California on July 7, 1846, and 
raising the American flag at Monterey, and for which he received the 
highest enconiums of praise and the thanks of the Government at 
Washington. 

At whose instance and by whose connivance, and in whose interest 
and who was to be benefited by it, are these studious, persistent attacks 
of misrepresentation, false coloring of statement and unjust criticism, of 
one whose whole life was spent in gallantly serving his country, ambi- 
tious only to do his whole duty in the line of his service, and without a 
stain to mar his escutcheon throughout his whole career ? 

The most prominent of these is Hubert Howe Bancroft, who 
was unanimously expelled from Honorary Membership in the Society 
of California Pioneers on February 5, 1894, by the following resolu- 
tion, introduced by the late Dr. Washington Ayer on October 2, 1893: 

"Whereas, Statements have been made by an honorary member of this Society 
in a quasi-history, published by one Hubert Howe Bancroft, which are at variance 
with historical records, and reflect upon the honor, dignity and integrity of the 
California Pioneers, and 

"Whereas, All such statements have no foundation of truth, and are unworthy 
the labors of an upright historian, and only becoming to one, who in our judg- 
ment strayed far from the domain of an honest writer, with the purpose in view 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 9 

to mislead the reader and wrong the founders of a new State upon the extreme 
western boundar}' of our Country, and by such statements did wantonly and ma- 
liciously wrong the old Argonauts; therefore, 

'^' Resolved, That the name of Hubert Hows Bancroft, be stricken from 
the list of Honorary Members of this Society, and that the Secretary be requested 
to send him a copy of this preamble and resolution." 

This of itself would ordinarih' be sufficient to set the seal of infamj^ 
upon such a so-called historian, and seem to need no other reference as 
to his mendacity and falsehood in relation to Sloat; but we here give 
a specimen or two taken from his lying works that our readers may 
judge for themselves: 

"STOCKTON, Robert Field.— Com. Stockto:i, was brave, resolute, energetic, 
and in many respects an agreeable gentleman; but an insatiable thirst for popu- 
larity and fame was his most marked characteristic, and may be supposed to have 
determined his policy in California— a policy which, however we may admire 
some of his acts and qualities, merits nothing but condemnation. His ar^option 
in opposition to the views of Sloat and I^arkin \^Note, Sloat had left.— Ed] of the 
filibuster plans of Fremont and his associates may charitably be regarded as a 
mere error of judgment, yet it is hard to resist the conviction, that the true state 
of affairs was known to him, and that his warlike proclamation to a peaceful 
people, his blustering tirades against imaginary evils, his willingfiess to identify 
a criminal revolt of vagabond settlers with the legitimate military occupation, 
his practical refusal to accept the voluntary submission of the California authori- 
ties, his whole policy of conquest, which was to produce such unhappy results — 
that all this was chiefly due to his personal vanity and ambition, rather than to 
his honest opinion respecting the interests of his nation. To the same motive 
may be ascribed his later policy, not without plausibility and dignity in certain 
respects— in the controversies with Gen. Kearney. Stockton was beyond com- 
parison an abler and more honorable man than Fremont; yet his reputation as 
'Conqueror of California'— notwithstanding his energetic and praiseworthy sur- 
mounting of obstacles, that but for his folly would not have existed— is as un- 
merited, though not so fraudulent as that of the Pathfinder:'— History of Cali- 
fornia 1 846-1 848, page 735, H. H. Bancroft. v 

This is a good deal like the Irishman who was asked by an indi- 
vidual what he thought of him. Pat replied, "Faith, an' y^ are a 
jintleman of intigrity, refinemint and a scholar; but yez lack a hape of 
the truth and of education and manners." 

As an offset to this misrepresentation by Bancroft, we will quote 
here from the letter of Thomas O. Larkin to James Buchanan, Secre- 
tary of State, of January 14, 1847: 

"Had the Officers left in command in different towns in the Country, had the 
kind and friendly yet firm manner of Commodore Stockton, I am firm in the 
opinion that the people would not have risen. During my imprisonment many 
California officers told me this, and said that the strict military discipline pur- 
sued, and ignorance of the customs, forced them to take up arms." 

Now, which is to be believed, Hubert Howe Bancroft or Thomas 
O. Larkin? 



lo Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat 

To show the utter unreliability and absurd statements of H. H. 
Bancroft, which are self-patent upon their face, we quote the following- 
from his so-called History of Mexico. On page 804 Vol. VII., in 
speaking of the overthrow and banishment of the Emperor Iturbide 
from Mexico by that people, H. H. Bancroft says: 

"Nor was Iturbide's life altogether safe. Spies of the Masons follozved hint 
unremittingly and to their shame, be it said, plotted his assassination. 

"Iturbide bad left the country and was on his way on shipboard bound for 
Leghorn, Italy. A Dominican priest, a Mason was sent after him by the Masons 
to murder him! " 

In Vol. VIII., pages 32, 33. he says: 

"The creation of Masonic Lodges has been ascribed to Poinsett, the American 
Minister; but the real foimder zvas the priest Jose Maria Alpuche, rector of a 
Parish at Tobasco, and Senator from that State. ''^ 

So much for the traducer and falsifier, Hubert Howe Bancroft, 
unanimously expelled as an Honorary Member of the Society of Cali- 
fornia Pioneers. [The Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast 
unanimously passed a concurrent vote of sympathy with the action 
taken by the Society of California Pioneers in its expulsion of H. H. 
Bancroft.] 

The next of these traducers is "Kanaka Davis," a half-breed 
Hawaiian Islander, a veritable Munchausen, who has been reported to 
us as the "biggest liar that ever came to California from the Sandwich 
Islands," whose real name is William Heath Davis, and who pub- 
lished a work of "Sixty Years in California," which, though contain- 
ing much valuable information in some respects, is utterly unreliable 
as to truthfulness of statement of fact in connection with his reported 
interviews with U. S. Naval Officers high in rank, with whom, 07i 
paper, he presumes and pretends to have been on familiar and social 
equality, and thus has thrust himself into good society, where his 
presence would have barely been tolerated. 

His father was a Yankee trader from Boston, and his mother a full- 
blooded Kanaka, from whom he derived his soubriquet, and was gen- 
erally known in California as '' Kanaka DavisJ" He married into a 
native California Spanish family, again crossing the breed. 

His Elk Story is a specimen to commence with. On page 28, at 
the beginning of Chapter VI. of his book, he says: 

"On Mare Island, I often saw in the years from '40 to '43, as many as two or 
three thousand elk, it being their habit to cross and recross by swimming between 
the island and the mainland, and I remember on one occasion when on the 
Schooner 'Isabel,' of sailing through a band oi elk, probably not less than a thous- 
and, which were then crossing from Mare Island to the main land. It was a grand 
and exciting scene. The Captain wanted to shoot at some of them, but I pre- 
vented him from doing so, because we could not stop to get the game on board, 
and I did not like to see the elk wantonly destroyed." 



lyiFE OF Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat ii 

We have inquired of the oldest native Spanish Californians of 
eighty years of age, residing in sight of Mare Island, and of the earli- 
est American settlers who hunted game, and at no time anywhere have 
any of them in the Napa and Sacramento Valleys along the streams 
ever seen over a hundred elk in one band at any time, and even then 
it was on the borders of wide open plains near the tules. ' ' Kanaka 
Davis" must have had several good-sized "horns" inside, to have been 
able to have seen so many thousand elk at one time, on so small a space 
as Mare Island, which only contains nine hundred acres, dry hill land 
and all. 

Here is another yarn to which we call the attention of our readers 
as to his veracity of statement. 

After giving an account of his beginning the erection of the first 
brick building in San Francisco, 80x40 feet and four stories high, on 
the northwest corner of Montgomery and California streets, in Septem- 
ber, 1849, in Chapter LVII. he saj^s on page 519 of his book: 

'One lovely morning in April, 1850, Commodore Jones approached me where my 
building was being put up, and said he had a business proposition for my consid- 
eration. The naval Commander of the Pacific Squadron immediately gave me the 
details of it, which was for me to stop building and to undo what had been done; 
and he would transport all the materials of my structure in one of his ships of war 
to Benicia free of charge for freight. 

"He and other Benicians were to deed me a very eligible piece of real estate in 
the city of the Carquinez, free of cost, conditioned that I should erect a large 
brick building on the site. I thanked the Commodore for having spent more than an 
hour in attempting to convince me from his standpoint of the superior advantages 
possessed by Benicia for being the future big City of California, but was compelled 
to differ with him nevertheless." 

The absurdity of such a statement, that a Commodore, commanding 
the Pacific Squadron of the U. S. Navy, should tender a vessel of war 
to be converted into a freighter, and lumber up its decks with building 
material to be removed in the interest of private speculation and enter- 
prise, is too preposterous to be entertained for a moment. It would 
have been an open, direct violation of the Naval Regulations, caused 
disgrace and forfeiture of his commission, and such other punishment 
as a court-martial might see proper to inflict. Besides this, if such a 
thing had been attempted, the Commodore would have had to put to 
sea at that time, to have prevented the wholesale desertion of the crew, 
who themselves would have known that it was unlawful, and deserted 
in consequence. 

Where is the President of the "Sazerac Ikying Club?" "Kanaka 
Davis" would be entitled to a Grand Honorary L,ife Membership in 
your society. 

We now come to the serious portions of his statements in relation 



12 Life of Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat 

to then Commodore John Drake Sloat. He was not present when 
Commodore Sloat landed at Monterey, hoisted the American flag and 
took possession of California, but arrived a few days afterwards, and 
says Sloat arrived on the 4th of July instead of the 2nd. 

He puts words in the mouth of Commodore Sloat on paper, and 
in that of Captain Mervine, which it is reasonable to believe v/ere 
never uttered. In the first place. Commodore Sloat was a taciturn, 
grave man, and generally uncommunicative in his attitude towards 
strangers, and his manner forbade all familiarity of intercourse, and he 
kept his own counsels. 

In Chapter XLVIII., on pages 395-396, "Kanaka Davis," in his 
book, says: 

"Arriving first, on July 4th, Commodore Sloat hesitated as to zvhat he should 
dor 

"On the night of the 6th of July a council of war was called, at which were 
present the Commodore, Captain Mervine, Captain Dupont of the "Cyane" and 
other officers of the Squadron to discuss the matter and to settle upon a line of 
action. 

'Captain Mervine declared to me, that Sloat still seemed irresolute at the coun- 
cil, the Captain s?.id; You hesitate. Commodore Sloat, but delay is dangerous: the 
Collingwood is right at our heels. You know when we approached this port, we 
thought we might find her here before us and the English flag raised on shore, in 
which case, we should have to fight. It is more than your commission is worth 
to hesitate in this matter. Although you have no direct official information of 
the declaration of war between the two countries, the unofficial news is to the ef- 
fect that war has been declared. If we don't hoist the American flag, the Eng- 
lish will take possession of this Capital; so there is no time to be lost. It is our 
duty to ourselves and to the country to run up the flag at once. 

•'Captain Mervine remarked further, that he talked so emphatically at the 
council of war, that his suggestions prevailed. The next morning the United 
States flag floated over the town. 

"Mervine was outspoken and frank, unquestionably a better qualified- ofiicer 
than Sloat. He was impatient at the Commodore's slowness and vacillation. It 
was owing to the Captain's decision and right comprehension of the situation, hi 
my opinion, that the flag was raised." 

That Captain Mervine, thoroughly trained in the rules and regula- 
tions of the Naval Service for more than a quarter of a century, coming 
up from the grade of Midshipman to that of Captain, and commanding 
the "Savannah," the Commodore's own flagship, and ofiicially and 
socially connected with him, should not only violate those rules, as well 
those of Naval custom and etiquette, and towards a brother as well as 
his superior officer, to reveal what might have been said in a council 
of war, even if one had been called, and criticise and censure his supe- 
rior officer before one then not even a citizen and a half-breed Kanaka, 
whereby he would have been amenable to a Court-martial and dis- 
missed in disgrace from the service, is too preposterous and astounding 



Life of Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat 13 

for a moment's serious consideration. Either " Kanaka Davis" was 
furnished with this lie, while writing his book, or he made it out of 
whole-cloth himself. 

Midshipman Wm. P. Toler, Commodore Sloat's aide-de-camp, stated 
distinctly to us, that "there was no council of war held by Sloat what- 
ever. That on the afternoon of July 6th, towards evening, the day 
before the landing, that the Officers of the "Cyane" and "Levant" 
came on board to receive their orders for the next day's operations, but 
nothing more." 

Here is another short yarn of "Kanaka Davis." In Chapter XVI., 
on page 113, of his book, he utters this libel against a very estimable 
lady Senora Doiia Augusta Jimeno, the sister of the late Hon. Pablo 
de la Guerra whose first husband was Don Manuel Jimeno, who was 
Secretary of State under Governor Alvarado and after Jimeno's death, 
subsequently married Dr. Ord, a Surgeon in the U. S. Army, and 
brother of the late General Ord, who lately deceased at Pacific Grove. 
He says: 

"I have frequently heard her, after the change of the government to that of 
the United States, express her utter disapprobation in the most sarcastic lan- 

* * * * * 
guage. 

"In a patriotic outburst, Senora Doiia Augusta Jimeno exclaimed one day, 
that she ivoiild delight to have the ears of the officers 0/ the United States Squadron 
for a necklace, such was her hatred of the new rulers of the country." 

The italics are ours. After uttering this libel and slander against 
a very worthy and accomplished lady, he then tries to mitigate the 
effects of this cruel lie, by stating "she was very kind and sympathetic 
to any of the Army or Naval Officers who might be sick." 

So much for "Kanaka Davis' " libel of Sloat. 

There is another so-called historian who mildly repeats this slander 
of the then Commodore John Drake Sloat, but who also is now dead. 
Ordinarily, when a person is dead, it is well not to speak the truth 
concerning him, if it may be unfavorable; but books exist on shelves, 
and continue to perpetuate truth or falsehood, long periods of time 
after their authors have mouldered into dust, and the descendants and 
kindred of those whom they have injured, feel the sting of a continu- 
ous wrong and outrage perpetrated on their honored ancestors. And 
while for considerate reasons towards the living we do not give his 
name, yet as a key to his early instincts and character, we make the 
following statement from our own knowledge: 

In the years 1 850-1-2-3 we resided in Sonoma, California, and were 
City Clerk of that place, when General M. G. Vallejo was Mayor. 
The then embryotic historian, too anxious to laterally enjoy litterary 
profits from \i\spen, attempted to realize dividends from stock that was 
not his own. He was arrested for grand larceny and brought before 



14 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

the Justice of the Peace, John A. Brewster, who was afterwards Sur- 
veyor-General of California in 1856 and 1857. '^^^ fellow confessed 
his guilt. He had stolen a breeding sow, then worth over fifty dollars, 
fastened her up in his pe?i for six weeks, waiting for a lilterary dividend 
of stock, which did not come as he expected. The demand for food 
and water by that four-footed and incarcerated Peggy, proclaimed her 
w^hereabouts, and the result was the arrest as stated. The fellow looked 
so mean, and confessing his guilt, the owner of the sow, out of pity 
for the thief in his helpless condition, and having recovered his prop- 
erty without further loss, withdrew the prosecution if the fellow \vould 
leave town, and he did. We were present at the trial, and witnessed 
his humiliation, shame and confusion. The owner and principal pros- 
ecuting witness still lives in one of the neighboring counties, and, with 
the writer, is connected as a member of the Sloat Monument Associa- 
tion. 

So much for the illegal attempt of a corner on pork on the hoof by 
the author of "Evidences Against Christianity," and this was one of 
them. 

We now come to the next traducer of Sloat, who, under the pretext 
of delivering a "Memorial Address" upon the late Hon. George Ban- 
croft, ex-Secretarj^ of the Navy, before the California Historical Societ}^ 
on May 12, 1891, uses the occasion, not so much to eulogize the states- 
man and great historian of the United States, but to misrepresent and 
condemn Sloat in advance, for the ignoring and disobedience of orders 
which he never received and knew nothing of We refer to Theodore 
H. Hittell. 

He quotes the letters of the Hon. George Bancroft, then Secretary 
of the Navy, to Commodore Sloat, of the following dates: May 13, 
1846; May 15, 1846; June 8, 1846; July 12, 1846, and two letters of 
August 13, 1846, which Sloat never received, and was of course pro- 
foundly ignorant of. To use these as arguments against Sloat, is to be 
totally destitute of either logic or reason, and warping and twisting 
these to suit his crooked mind and fanc}^ with his malevolent intent, he 
then repeats the lie of "Kanaka Davis," to suit his purpose and attain 
his object in his misrepresentation of Sloat. 

We have this wonderful "Memorial Address" upon the life and 
character of George Bancroft, covering nearlj^ twenty pages, of which 
(with the exception of these letters referred to, not one of which Sloat 
ever received) not one-third is devoted to a eulogy of George Bancroft 
whom he was expected to honor. It was really a mask to attack the 
good name and fair fame of Commodore Sloat. 

The query is, In whose interest was it, and who used him for this 
ignoble purpose, if it was not for, and in the interest of, Hubert Howe 



Life of Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat 15 

Bancroft, who was subsequently expelled by the Society of California 
Pioneers for lying and slander, and who is no relative of the late Hon. 
George Bancroft, the U. S. Historian, and ex-Secretary of the Navy? 

So much for the traducer, Theodore H. Hittell. 

There is onh' one more whom we now are compelled to refer to, 
and we sincerel)^ regret the necessit\- of doing so; yet duty to the 
memory of the late gallant Admiral, John Drake Sloat, compels us to 
"hew to the line and let the chips fall where they will." 

By an error of judgment, and without previous and careful exam- 
ination through the blunted carelessness of old age, the Board of Di- 
rectors of the Society of California Pioneers, in 1901, committed a woe- 
ful mistake, and inadvertently, as a result of their foolish action, in 
effect, endorsed Hubert Howe Bancroft whom the Society, by unani- 
mous vote of eighty members, had previously expelled. In 1901, the 
Directors had authorized the publication of a book, accepted its dedi- 
cation, and which they paid for and offered for sale at the office of the 
Secretary. The Pioneer Society was duly notified by the Sloat Monu- 
ment Association, that if the dedication of that book was accepted by 
them, that the Stone that had been provided by the Society of Cali- 
fornia Pioneers could not be placed in the base of the Sloat Monument 
at Montere}'. The book contained the same slanders and false state- 
ments concerning Sloat, being quotations from H. H. Bancroft, 
"Kanaka Davis" and others, and if approved, endorsed and paid for 
as it has been by the Board of Directors of the Pioneers, they could 
not aid in the erection of a monument to the fame of Sloat, and at the 
same time put forth a work that denounced him as weak, incompetent, 
without decision of character, shrinking from the performance of duty 
under orders, hesitating, vacillating and unreliable in his action. Cer- 
tainly, if he was as represented, that Society should recall its Stone 
intended for the monument at Monterey, take down his portrait that 
hangs in the picture galler}^ of their hall, and change the date of their 
Annual Meeting and election of Officers, from the 7th of July, the an- 
niversary when Commodore Sloat took possession of California, when 
he landed his forces and raised the American flag at Monterey, on July 
7, 1846. 

The Book referred to, is a small one of 160 pages, and was com- 
piled by the Rev. S. H. Willey, and bears the title of "California's 
Transition Period; 1846- 18 50." While purporting to give a history, 
it is but a small compendium of unfriendly hypercriticism of Sloat, 
Fremont and Stockton, and the reverend gentleman abandons the 
cloth for the nonce, assumes the language of an Inspector-General of 
Military and Naval Affairs in the field, converts the pulpit into a con* 
ning tower of cynical observation and criticism, ^passing judgment 



i6 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

from what he has read from lying authors, and le-proclaiming them as 
if he were uttering the Divine Truth, when all emanated from the 
Father of Lies in the very beginning. 

We will now briefly refer our readers to the following quotations 
from his book. He says on page 37: 

"I have read all I could lay my bauds on, and tried to read with an open 
mind." 

In giving an account of Fleet Surgeon Wm. Maxwell Wood's dis- 
patch to Commodore Sloat, written at Guadalajara, Mexico, when on 
his way across that country to Vera Cruz, via the City of Mexico, on 
page 22, he either wilfully or ignorantly misrepresents the facts and 
leaves a false inference to be formed from his statement. He says: 

"At length the war opened with the battle of Palo Alto and Resaca dela Palma 
on the Rio Grande, on the 8th and 9th of May, 1846. 

"The news flew with swiftness across Mexico, and was the theme of excited 
talk in all public places. 

"Just then Dr. W. H. Wood, fleet surgeon of Commodore Sloat's squadron had 
received permission to return home, and took the route through Mexico, accom- 
panied by Mr. Parrott, United States Consul at Mazatlan. They arrived at Guad- 
alajara on May loth and found the town in a high state of agitation arising from 
the war rumors. The Mexican papers gave exaggerated accounts of what had oc" 
curred on the Rio Grande, and the feelings of the people were highly excited. 

"Dr. Wood immediately wrote a dispatch giving the news as he heard it, and 
sent it back, under cover from Consul Parrott, to Commodore Sloat at Mazatlan. 

"The messenger was induced to promise all possible speed, and he actually did 
ten days work in five, delivering his dispatch to Commodore Sloat on May 17, 
1846." 

These statements he quotes from McWhorter and H. H. Bancroft. 
The news then sent to Sloat gave no mention of the battles of Palo 
Alto and Resaca de la Palma, fought only tw^o days before, and the 
news had not then been received at the City of Mexico. There were no 
telegraphs in those days in Mexico to convey intelligence from the fron- 
tiers or between the principal cities of that country, and only by couriers 
or diligences (stage coaches), which carried the mails, could news be 
then conveyed, taking weeks to reach the Capital. 

As we have Surgeon-General Wm. M. Woods' own statements sent 
to us by his son, the true account wall appear later on in future chapters. 

On pages 24 and 25, in referring to a dispatch from the Secretary of 
the Nav}' of May 13, 1846, w^hich Sloat never received, he remarks: 

"It is obvious to us now, how sorely the stimulus of this dispatch was needed 
by the Commodore, but, unfortunately, months must pass before he could re- 
ceive it, and the all important decision must be made before that time. 

"It actually awakens feelings of solicitude in us even now, to read of any hes- 
itancy and delay here, when it was so liable to lose us so large and choice a por- 
tion of the continent." 







WILLIAM MAXWELL WOOD, U. vS. N. 

Fleet Surgeon Pacific Squadron, 1846. 

Surgeon General U. S. Navy, 1869. 

This officer voluntarily undertook the perilous risk to enter Mexico and cross that country to learn the condi- 
tion of affairs, and at Guadalajara first, and afterwards at the City of Mexico, learned that war had actually com- 
menced between the two countries; and, but lor the daring courage of this gallant officer, whose skill and adroit- 
ness in sending the information to Commodore Sloat at Mazatlan, California would have been lost to the American 
Union; and instead of being one of the United States, would now be a British province. 

Says Commodore Sloat in his letter from New York, 20th March; 1855: '' The information you furnished me at 
Mazatlan from Guadalajara, (at the risk of your life.) was the only reliable information I received of that event, 
and which induced me to proceed immediately to California, and upon my own respousibilitj' to take possession of 
that country, which I did on the 7th of July, 1846." 

Says Dr. Wood in his account of the intelligence he learned at the City of Mexico: "All this information I again 
sent to the Commanding Officer of the Pacific Squadron, signing my letter by an easily understood hieroglyphic, 
and sending it through the Mexican mail under cover to the subject of a neutral power." 

Note.— It was this last positive information sent by way of Guadalajara, that warranted Commodore Sloat to 
act. See Lieut. George Minor's letter to Dr. W. Maxwell Wood, U. S. Navy, of May 3rd, '1855, Page 66.— :Edwin a. 
Sherman. 




COMMODORE ROBERT FIELD STOCKTON, U. S. N. 

(From a painting ou ivory, owned by his son^ Hon. John P. Stockton.) 

The successor in command of Commodore John D. Sloat, U. S. N., -who in his Official Report said: 
"On the 23rd (of July) my health being such as to prevent my attending to so much and such laborious duties 
I directed Commodore Stockton to assume the command of the forces and operations on shore; and on the 29lh 
haviiia determined to return to the United States, via Panama, I hoisted my broad pennant on the "I^evant" an( 
sailed for Ma^atlan and Panama, leaving the remainder of the squadron under his command, etc." — E. A. S. 



I,iPE OF Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 17 

This solicitude is akin to that of Uriah Heep. 

He then pretends to give extracts from the log of the "Savannah," 
the first and third of which are not correct. In the latter he states: 
"Stood into the harbor of Monterey, July ist, and came to anchor at 
4 p. M.," etc. 

Commodore Sloat arrived on the 2d of July, not the ist. 

On page 26, he repeats the libel of H. H. Bancroft and "Kanaka 
Davis," and says concerning the landing and taking possession of Cali- 
fornia by Commodore Sloat on July 7, 1846: 

"And so the decisive deed was doue ! 

^' But it was not done zvithoiit dihc/i hesitation.'''' 

In this deprecating and depreciating strain, he continues, on pages 
46 and 47, to misrepresent Commodore Sloat as a man of weak mind, 
imbecile, superanuated, lacking decision of character, and who came 
near losing California to the American nation. 

Such is the stuff dealt out to detract, injure and destroy the char- 
acter of as brave, gallant, discreet, and honorable an Officer and gen- 
tleman as ever trod the deck of a vessel of war, and held a commission 
for sixty-six years in the U. S. Navy; whose life and career will be 
found in the following pages, with official reports and facts with collat- 
eral evidence kindly furnished us by the U. S. Navy Department at 
Washington, and other reliable authority, that will scatter this mass of 
chaff of lies and slanders to the winds. 

We congratulate the truth-loving, fair-minded American People in 
general, and the Masonic Fraternity in particular, that not one of these 
libelers and slanderers whom we have cited and quoted has ever been 
one of the Craft, to dishonor the Brotherhood by such defamation, and 
falsehood. 

In this L,ife of Admiral John Drake Sloat, we shall only incidentally 
refer to his Compeers in his official relationship with them, and not 
what occurred after he left California, to proceed to Washington to 
make due report in person to the Secretary of the Navy, and give an 
account of the condition of affairs as he left them here. 

As things got mixed afterwards, and there was rivalry and conflict 
of authority, we cannot refrain (that our readers may smile), from giving 
the following extract from the diary of Lieutenant-Colonel Philip St. 
George Cooke, of the U. S. Army, who accompanied General Stephen 
Kearney to California, and who commanded the Mormon Battalion. 

In his history of the Conquest of New Mexico and California, Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Philip St. George Cooke, U. S. A., gives the following 
from his diary, when at San Luis Re^', California: 

"March 12, 1847. For forty days I have commanded the legal forces in Cal- 
ifornia,— the war still existing; and not pretending to the highest authority of any 



i8 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

sort, have had no communication with any higher, or any other, military or civil. 
I have put a garrison in San Diego; the civil officers appointed by a naval officer; 
otherwise refusing to serve; while a naval officer ashore is styled by some, "Gov- 
ernor of San Diego." 

"General Kearney is supreme, somewhere up the coast; Col. VrQ.xa.ox\\, supreme 
at Pueblo de los Angelos; Commodore Stockton is Commander-in-Cbief at San 
Diego; Commodore Shubrick, the same at Monterey; and I at San Luis Rey; and 
we are all supremely poor; the Government having no money and no credit; and 
we hold the territory, because Mexico is poorer than all." 

Fortunatel}' for Commodore Sloat, he had returned to Washington, 
or his traducers might have charged him with this blame also, and as 
being responsible for this after-condition of affairs in California. 

But to our book in the following pages. 

Edwin A. Sherman. 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 



CHAPTER I 

In the terrible, merciless, long and bloody wars between Spain and 
the Netherlands, in the latter part of the Sixteenth Century, so ^•ividly 
described by Motley in his history of "The Rise and Fall of the 
Dutch Republic, ' ' in which the cruelty of the Spaniards wrought its 
full fury in the most diabolical inventions of torture, mutilation and 
death, sparing neither age, sex or condition, and when the City of 
Leyden, after a long, successful resistance of a siege, was about to fall,* 
there came relief from the northern isles of Holland and L,eyden was 
saved. 

"On September i, 1574, in the great battle for the relief of lyCyden, 
Admiral Boisot, of the Dutch Navy, returned from Zealand with a 
small number of vessels and eight hundred veteran sailors of the most 
daring character. Many had been engaged in severe conflicts with the 
Spaniards, who showed no mercy, and these in return gave no quarter. 
They wore Crescents in their caps, and bore the name of 'The Sea 
Beggars.'" Indicating by the above device, that the Saracen was 
more merciful than the Spanish Crusader. 

With their assistance the siege of Leyden was raised and its inhabi- 
tants saved from cruel massacre at the hands of the Spaniards. 

Not long after this war had ceased, and the Dutch having acquired 
territory in the New World, the}^ founded New Amsterdam, now the 
City of New York, and took possession of the Hudson, Mohawk and 
other valleys, in what is now the State of New York. For their de- 
fense, some of these same Zealanders, who had rendered efficient service 
at the relief of the City of lyCyden, had been sent to act as a Coast 
Guard, and some had been knighted by William, the Prince of Orange 
(the Silent), for their bravery and assistance rendered upon that mem- 
orable occasion; and those who had been especially conspicuous for 
their gallantry, were authorized to emblazon the Crescent upon their 
Coats of Arms. 

Among these so knighted, was the ancestor of the founder of the 
Sloot or Sloat family in America, from whom the late Admiral 
John Drake Sloat was descended. 

We here give the half-tone sketch of the Coat of Arms of the Sloot 
or Sloat family, kindly furnished by his great-grandson, Mr. J. B. 



20 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Si.oat 

Whittemore, of San Francisco, for this work. Besides being upon the 
shield, the Crescent, winged, is the crest, signifying celerity of move- 
ment and attacly. The device, being so significant, required no motto, 
and the family name was sufficient under it, showing the origin of the 
founder of the family and from what the insignia of the Crescent was 
derived. 

We now come direct to the immediate history and biography of 
Admiral John Drake Sloat himself. 



D 



|oHN Drake Sloat was born July 26, 17S1, at Sloatburg, near 
Goshen, Rockland County, New York. He was the posthumous 
son of Captain John Sloat, whose unfortunate fate it was, to be accident- 
ally shot by a sentinel near his quarters, in Rockland County, New York, 
just before the close of the War for American Independence, and in 
which he served with credit. His widow survived her sudden bereave- 
ment but a short period, and the care of this, their only son, devolved 
on his maternal relatives, who seem to have been properly impressed 
with the responsibility they had assumed. 

Their protege was well instructed in mathematics, and in the rudi- 
ments of an English education — all that our country schools afforded 
at that period. As his Grandfather Drake (a descendant of a collateral 
branch of the family of the celebrated Admiral and circumnavigator) 
was wont to relate the adventures of his illustrious relative, he did not 
fail to inspire his charge with a thirst for travel and enterprise. The 
taste thus inculcated so fully displayed itself in youth as to induce our 
young adventurer to quit an endeared fireside for a berth in the Navy, 
that he might the better gratify his predilection. 

This was during our quasi-war with France, and in the heyday of 
our Naval successes over the haughty flag of the Directory. It was at 
a period, too, when the Revolutionary service of the sire presented an 
irresistible claim for the public employment of the deserving son; and 
we find, by the Navy Register, that a Midshipman's Warrant was 
granted to the aspiring and ambitious young man on the twelfth of 
February, 1800. 

Midshipman Sloat, on March 18, 1800, was ordered to the frigate 
"President," Commodore Truxton, who took command of her soon 
after his gallant exploit in the "Constellation" (the capture of the 
French frigates " L' Insurgente " and "La Vengeance"). It was 
young Sloat' s good fortune here, also, to serve under that strict dis- 
ciplinarian and accomplished officer, Commodore Chauncey, at that 
time First Lieutenant of the "President." With such models before 
him, during a lengthened service in the south of Europe, he was ena- 






/^^ "X. . ^- 



^:' iW' 'vJ-'/i--'"-' 




f^ 



.'^^nt 



"THE ARMS OF THE SEOAT FAMIEV 

Placed with those of Van den Voort at Amsterdam, are to be found in the Rook 
of Arms from 1500 to 1700 of Liebmacher Verooby, Vol. v., page 46. 

Pan in silver. Watchfulness, indicating Vigilance 2.X1A Courtesy. 

"For W. H. Zimmerman, in the Book Store, and it is noted that the family 
issue from a Brunswick stock about 1400. 

Haakzaaviheid es Hoflykheid. 
Vigilance and Courtesy. 

"The German sent from Amden with the coat of arms. The following was 
translated by me from an engraving in Vol. iv. of Lievemacher Hirroly, published 
about the year 1620. Vol. i. was published 1609, the other volumes each several 
years later. 

V: Sloot, I^ W. Sloat. 

Crescent, Red. 
W, White and Silver. 

"The arms, embossed, was engraved from the same engraving by A. Kuner, 
Engraver, who owned the book from which they were copied. L. W. SloaT." 

[NOTB-L. W. Sloat was the son of the late Rear.Admiral John Drake Sloat, and his 
private secretary when on the Pacific Station.— E. A. S.l 



FAMILY RECORD 



Admiral 
John Drake Sloat 



Wi/e, 
Abbv Gordon 



Their children, 
Lewis Warrington Sloat' November 26th, 1815. 



Born 
Sloatbure, Rockland Co., 

New Yoik. 
July 26th, I78[. 



Bloomingburg, Orange 

Co., New York. 
November 6th, 1795 



JEANNETTE ELIZA SLOAT 
had two children by first 
marriage, 

James Bayard Whittemore, 

Jeanuette Sloat Whittemore 
By second marriage one, 

Mary Anna McKeon. 



Navy Yard, Kittery Island, 

Maine. 
September 19th, 1821. 



John Drake Sloat, Jr. 

Had one child, 
John Drake Sloat, Jr. 



December 29th, 1849 



Married 
November 27tl), 1814. 

Golden Weddivg 
November 27th, 1864. 



November 27th, 1814. 

Golden Wedding 
November 27th, 1864. 



Never married. 



Married first husband 
December nth, 1839, 
James Bayard Whittemore. 

Born April 8th, 1815. 
Married second husband 
May 24th, 1854, 
Hon. John McKeon. 

Born March 19th, 1808. 



Died 
New Brighton, 
Staten Island. 
Nov. 28th, 1867 



New York Citv 
Nov. 15th, 1878 



New York Citv 
Mar. 3d, 1886.' 



April 29th, 1869. 
Maria Conita Robson. 
New York City. 



New York City 
Dec. loth, 1889 

Feb. 22d, i8s2. 



Nov. 22d, 1883. 



Oct. 2ISt, 1892. 



Life of Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat 21 

bled to la}- the foundation of a professional reputation, which has 
proved no less creditable to himself than honorable to his country. 

Disappointment so common in life soon interposed to blast for a 
time the prospects of our Naval debutant. The profligate sway of 
the Directory being overthrown, Napoleon, the First Consul, happy 
to relieve his new-born power from the difficulties and unpopularity of 
an American war, accepted terms of peace. Those terms proffered by 
Mr. Adams, and by which he expected to retain power, were far from 
being advantageous to us. By stipulating to restore the national ves- 
sels of France, which had been captured, we gave up the trophies of 
victory, and purchased peace at the cost of fourteen millions of dollars 
(the amount of her spoliations on our commerce), without an equiva- 
lent. A bill for compromising these claims, thus assumed by our Gov- 
ernment, was passed by Congress in 1845, and vetoed by the Ex- 
ecutive. 

At the reduction of the Navy, which took place upon the accession 
of Thomas Jefferson to the Presidency, in 1801, Midshipman Sloat 
took a furlough, and the prospect of active employment being so 
remote, he, with many others, neglected to report himself at its expira- 
tion; thereby virtually abandoning the service, in the time of profound 
peace, and when absent at sea in a merchant vessel trading with Eu- 
rope, his furlough expiring before he could return. He was discharged 
May 21, 1801, under the "Peace Establishment Act." There was 
then no Naval Academy, and the knowledge of the science of naviga- 
tion by sailing vessels alone (for steam vessels were then unknown) had 
to be acquired by practical experience, and when our Navy was in its 
infancy, with but a little canvas for its swaddling clothes, and then not 
sufficiently aired. It was comparatively so at that time with our mer- 
chant marine. • 

But young Sloat, however, acquired such knowledge of seaman- 
ship as enabled him to command merchant vessels, which he navigated 
with success several years before he attained his majority. His Grand- 
father Drake, having deceased about this time, bequeathed him a valu- 
able property, including twelve slaves, to whom he gave their liberty as 
soon as they came into his possession. 

Fond of the sea, he disposed of his estate, and embarked his all in 
a vessel of which he took command, and suffered great loss during sev- 
eral successive voyages; commerce being more of a lottery during the 
European wars than now. Nothing daunted, however, by these frowns 
of fortune, the young master-mariner pursued the course he had marked 
out for himself with various success, until the war with England threw 
him out of business. Thus circumstanced he gladly availed himself 
of an offer made by his old and esteemed friend, Commodore Decatur, 



22 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

to become Sailing Master of the frigate "United States," on January 
ID, 1812, with promise of an early opportunity to attain by promotion 
the rank to which he would have been entitled if he had continued in 
the service. 

The promise was soon fulfilled, for on the twenty-fifth of October, 
181 2, the British frigate "Macedonian" was captured in single combat 
under the following circumstances: The enemy, tenacious, maintained 
the weather-gauge for some time, which enabled him advantageously to 
discharge his long guns at a distance, beyond the reach of the carron- 
ades of the "United States." At length an unfortunate maneuver of 
the enemy enabled Sloat to bring him to close quarters, whereby the 
battle came to a speedy and successful issue. Though wounded in the 
face, he did not quit his post during the action. For his gallantry and 
skill, at the recommendation of Commodore Decatur, Sloat was 
immediately promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, and, with the rest of 
the officers of the frigate "United States" received a vote of thanks from 
Congress January 29, 181 3. The "United States" arrived off New Lon- 
don on the fourth of December, 181 2, where she was blockaded for the re- 
mainder of the war. He was appointed Acting Lieutenant April 28, 1 8 1 3, 
and commissioned Lieutentant of that frigate, July 24, 181 3. 

Sloat related the following incident to his family and friends, of the 
action of Commodore Decatur in connection with the fight between the 
Frigate ' ' United States ' ' of the American Navy and the British Frigate 
"Macedonian" when the latter surrendered: 

A short time before hostilities actually broke out between the United 
•States and Great Britain, when both vessels lay at anchor in the River 
Mersey, Captain Corden of the British Navy, commanding the "Mace- 
donian," happened to meet Commodore Decatur in the streets at Liv- 
erpool, and said to the latter, "Commodore Decatur, if Great Britain 
and America go to war, I will bet you a new hat that I will whip you, 
and take your ship, the Frigate ' United States.' " "I'll bet you a new 
hat that you don't," said Decatur. They thus parted, and it was not 
long before war was declared between the two countries, and the two 
ships met in combat, and after severe fighting, the "Macedonian" low- 
ered the British ensign as the signal of surrender to the ' ' Stars and 
Stripes." It was but a few moments when Decatur's feet were on the 
deck of the captured vessel, and Captain Corden came forward unbuck- 
ling his belt and tendered his sword in surrender to Decatur. "Oh, 
damn your sword; keep it," said Decatur. "You bet a new hat that 
you would take the ' United States ' frigate, and I bet you a new hat 
that you wouldn't, but as we are a thousand miles away from any hat- 
ter, I'll take the hat on your head instead;" and so he did, keeping it 
as a trophy of that engagement, which was largely owing to the splen- 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 



23 




did skill of Sloat, who, as Sailing Master, in maneuvering the "United 
States" frigate, brought the "Macedonian" to close quarters, which 
settled the fight. 

A HISTORIC AMERICAN WARSHIP IN AN 
ENGLISH DOCK. 

[The gallant old Atuerican frigate "Presi- 
dent," which carried Stephen Decatur to 
many a hard fought victory in the war of 
1812, is still lying in a London dock. Shortly 
after Decatur's capture of the British man- 
of-war "Macedonian" he was overtaken by a 
fleet flying the banner of St. George, and the 
heroic Yankee captain was forced to surren- 
der. His stout flagship was taken to the 
British capital and is now used as a drillship 
for naval reserves.] 

As stated in the beginning of this Chapter, that he was the son of 
Captain John Sloat, w^ho was killed by the mistake of a sentry during 
the Revolutionary War, shortly before the birth of his son, that his 
lineage and descent may be preserved by his descendants, we give the 
following, which is a copy of a letter received by his grandson, John 
Drake Sloat, Jr., which gives the abstract from the records: 

[copy] 

GOSHKN, N. Y., Dec. 21, 1896. 
Mr. John D. Sloat, 

2322 Franklin Ave., St. L,ouis, Mo. 
"Dear Sir: — Mr. Frank Drake of this place has returned a letter over to me 
that he received from you. Frank is a busy man and would have cheerfully un- 
dertaken to get you the information if possible. 

"I find from the old records of the Presbyterian Church of Goshen, that on 
March 17, 1778, John Sloat was married to Ruth Drake, by the Rev. Nathan 
Ker; and on Oct. 21, 1781, the same minister baptized John Drake Sloat, son 
of John Sloat and Ruth Drake, born July 26, 1781. 

"I have not omitted any part of names, but have given you the full record, 
and trust it will be what you want. I find nothing else in relation to the Drakes 
or Sloats. Yours Very Respectfully, 

Charles T. Deming." 

During the period which intervened of the blockade until the close 
of the last war with Great Britain, he improved the opportunity of con- 
tracting a matrimonial alliance, and married Miss Abby Gordon, a 
daughter of the late James Gordon, Esq., a Norwich merchant of high 
respectability. She was born at Bloomington, Orange County, New 
York, on November 6, 1795, and their marriage took place November 
27, 1814. 

The Family Record of th,e fruits of this marriage, in brief, will be 
found later on. 



24 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 



CHAPTER II. 

At the restoration of Peace between the United States and Great 
Britain, Lieutenant Sloat took another furlough on March i6, 1815, 
and again engaged in commerce. He took command of the clipper 
schooner "Transit," and loaded her for France. It so happened that 
he was with this schooner at Nantes, at the period when the public life 
of the great Napoleon was closed forever. In order to rescue the 
Emperor, several schemes were entertained; and, amongst others, Sloat 
arranged to receive him, with his suite, on board the "Transit," and 
to transport them to the United States. This plan, so happily alluded 
to in the journal of a French officer, was frustrated b}' the indecision 
that marked the conduct of the friends of the Emperor on this occa- 
sion, and which eventuated in the surrender of the fallen hero, to the 
British blockading squadron. 

[It is a historic, interesting, coincidental fact, that the vessel 
"Natalia," upon which Napoleon Bonaparte made his escape from the 
Island of Elba to France, shortl}-^ before the Battle of Waterloo, some 
years afterward, made its way to the Pacific Ocean, and subsequently 
was purchased by the Mexican Government and used as a revenue 
cutter or coast guard ship. She first arrived at Monterey, Cal., in 
1834, and in 1843, while her officers were ashore attending a ball, the 
crew also concluded that they would go" ashore and have a good time 
as well. A Strong northwest gale sprang up, the "Natalia" dragged 
her anchor and was driven ashore at Monterey, becoming a total 
wreck, fragments of which are still preserved as curios, and thus in this 
condition she terminated her existence at Monterey — just three years 
before Sloat' s arrival on July 2, 1846.] 

At the expiration of this furlough, he returned to his Naval duty, 
and on June 4, 181 6, he was ordered to the Navy Yard, New York, 
where he w^as engaged for nearly four years, when, on March g, 1820, 
he was ordered to duty at the Navy Yard at Portsmouth, New Hamp- 
shire. After five years of constant shore duty, on June 11, 1821, he 
was ordered to the "Washington," and two months afterwards, on 
August 6, 1 82 1, he was ordered to the "Franklin," and was First 
Lieutenant under the veteran Commodore Stewart, during a large por- 
tion of that vexatious cruise in the Pacific, from 1820 to 1822, while on 
her borders were exhibited continued scenes of revolutionary contest. 

On September 30, 1822, he was ordered to the frigate " Congress," 
as First Lieutenant to Commodore Biddle, and in 1823, Lieutenant 
Sloat, by great skill, saved that ship when in imminent peril, during 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 25 

a convulsion of nature which occurred at La Guayra, in the autumn of 
that year. Mr. E^avid Winton, an inmate of that invaluable institu- 
tion, the Sailors' S?i7ig Hatbor^ at New York, relates the following 
circumstances of it: 

"Commodore Biddle was ashore when an earthquake sunk the southwest part 
of the city. This was succeeded by a hurricane which drove from their moorings, 
and entirely destroyed twenty-two merchant vessels, and a Colombian man-of- 
war, with their crews, five only out of the whole were saved, being picked up by 
a boat from the 'Congress.' Tbis boat and crew, consisting of a quarter-master 
and four men, were lost directly after, in endeavoring to afford further relief. 

"At the beginning of the blow Lieutenant SloaT ordered the boatswain to 
pipe all hands, when he urged us to obey the officers and stand by the ship — 
promising full pay and rations, till we should reach home, in case the ship was 
wrecked. We parted our chain and other cables, excepting the best bower which 
so dragged as to bring us near enough to pitch a biscuit to the rocks. I have never 
witnessed so hopeless a prospect as ours at that moment, and thank God 
we were enabled to ride it out. Soon as the blow abated, Commodore Biddle 
came on board on a catamaran (a raft of two logs lashed together), and praised 
Lieutenant Sloat in the highest terms, ybr his skill in saving the ''Congress,'' 
when every other vessel in the port was lost. 

"We immediately left for Curacoa to get a supply of cables and anchor-;, for 
the want of which, we had to hazard a run on the wash." 

On April 12, 1823, Lieutenant Sloat was ordered to duty at New 
York, but being at sea, it was several months before he was able to 
comply. 

On December 12, 1823, he was ordered to the command of the 
schooner "Grampus," which was the first vessel placed under his com- 
mand in theU. S. Navy, when he was forty-two years of age, and when 
promotions among all commissioned officers was very slow. He was 
ordered to the African Station, where his services in suppressing the 
slave trade were highly commended by the Colonization Society. His 
activity and enterprise marked him as an efficient officer, for checking 
the piracies in the West Indies, in 1824-5; ^"d he was ordered to 
cruise among the Windward Islands. While at St. Thomas, a fire 
broke out, and as no reliance could be placed on the slave population, 
the city must have fallen a sacrifice to the flames but for the intrepidit}' 
of Lieutenant Sloat, his officers and crew. A large subscription was 
made by the inhabitants and tendered, but which was respectfully de- 
clined by Lieutenant Sloat, on behalf of his officers and men. 

The following is given by an officer of the ' ' Grampus ' ' at the period 
referred to: 

"While at St. Thomas, in March, 1825, information was obtained by Governor 
Von Scholten, that Cofrecinas, a pirate of celebrity, was off Porto Rico, and he 
immediately communicated it to Lieutenant Commandant Sloat, and laid an 
embargo on all vessels in port, that the expedition contemplated for his capture 
might not be made known. 



26 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

"After cruising in vain for several days, Captain Sloat went into Ponce, Porto 
Rico, and had an understanding with the Governor of that place, that in case lie 
heard any firing along the coast, he was to order his horsemen to assemble at tl e 
spot. The next morning a suspicious sail was seen off the harbor, in a calm; 
and lest he should recognize and avoid the 'Grampus' (for she was well known 
to them all), a coasting sloop was filled below with seamen and marines, and sent 
in pursuit, under the command of First Lieutenant Pendergrast. When the 
breeze sprang up in the afternoon, Cofrecinas' piratical vessel was discovered ui 
an obscure harbor called 'Boca de Inferno' (Mouth of Hell). He first ran for the 
sloop, which he knew, and felt sure of a prize; but when within pistol shot u> 
windward, the signal was given, and the seamen and marines, springing from 
below, fired a broadside into the astonished pirate, which cleared his deck for a 
moment of all but the undaunted Cofrecinas, who was at the helm. His men, 
however, shortly returned to their duty, and they kept up a running fight for 
more than an hour, displaying great skill in endeavoring to out-maneuver the 
sloop and escape. But after losing several of his men, he was forced to run his 
vessel ashore; the survivors jumped overboard, and waded through the water, 
amidst the grape and musketry of the sloop, which killed several. The slot p 
had a four-pound carronade, as also had the pirate; but he was unable to fire it, 
as his men were shot down whenever they attempted it. On the shore they were 
surrounded by the soldiers, who, in accordance with the understanding, assembled 
on hearing the firing, and took the prisoners to St. John (San Juan), the Capital, 
where they were all shot by sentence of a court-martial. 

"A gentleman who witnessed the execution, stated, that when they attempted 
to blind Cofrecinas, he spurned the handkerchief and the priest, and cried in a 
loud voice, 'I have killed hundreds with my own hands, Shd I know how to die. 
Fire!^ He fell, the last and most daring of the pirates of that region. In his 
vessel were found a few goods, the remains of the cargo of a French brig, taken 
a short time before, and whose crew and passengers he had murdered. 

"The manner in which the information was obtained, which led to the capture 
of this pirate, is worthy of record. Cofrecinas had taken, only a short time before 
he was discovered, the sloop in which he was cruising when captured. The 
master of the sloop proved to be an old acquaintance, and he appealed to Cofre- 
cin^as to spare his life, his men being compelled to join the pirates; but Cofrecinas 
told him that their rule was to kill all that did not join them, and that he was 
unable to save him from his men, but that he could spare him until sunset. The 
master of the sloop then went below and brought up a demijohn of wine and 
handed it to the pirates, who were feasting on his provisions — his respite was 
confirmed by them. 

"They asked him if he could swim, with great presence of mind, he answered 
in the negative, and begged not to be thrown overboard, but to have a more im- 
mediate death, which they smilingly promised. He then went into his little 
cabin, to collect his thoughts. He saw that the shore was about two miles off; it 
was falling calm, and the pirates carousing at anchor off Foxardo. He now cast 
off the boat and let her drift away. As soon as he supposed they might discover 
it, he slipped over the stern very quietly and swam to the bow. As soon as they 
perceived the boat adrift, their attention was absorbed in devising means to regain 
her, and the late Commander was forgotten in the confusion, or supposed to be 
at prayers in the cabin. He was an excellent swimmer, and struck out lustily for 
the shore. He was soon discovered and fired at; but dove at the flash, as he told 
it, and swimming under water, came up at a different place each time to breathe. 



Life op Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 27 

and dove again instantly until out of reach of shot. There being no wind, they 
could not get under way, and he had secreted the oars, so that the boat could not 
be used to overtake him. 

"After sunset, he gained the beach almost exhausted; crawled a little way up 
the shore, and slept in the sand until daylight, when he found his way to St. 
Thomas, to inform the Governor and the Commander of the 'Grampus' of his 
adventure. He accompanied Lieutenant Pendergrast, and on her recapture, his 
sloop was immediately restored to him by Commander Sloat, after repairing the 
sails, which were riddled by shot, and the hull, which was but slightly injured." 

The following is an extract of a letter from Lietitenant Commandant 
John D. Sloat, commanding United States schooner "Grampus," to the 
Secretary of the Navy, dated St. Thomas, April 5, 1825: 

"Under date of the 19th of March, I had the honor to inform you that I had 
visited Porto Rico for the purpose of offering our testimony against the pirates, 
that made their escape from the vessel taken on the south side of the island, when 
the Captain-General assured me that these miscreants should have summary 
justice. 

•'On my arrival at this place yesterday, I had the satisfaction to receive the 
information, that all who ryade their escape from the vessel (eleven) were shot 
on the 30th ultimo. They all, except one, met their fate in the most hardened 
manner. The celebrated Cofrecinas refused to be blindfolded, saying that 'he, 
himself, had murdered three or four hundred persons, and it would be strange if, 
by this time, he should not know how to die.' From his, and others' confessions, 
twenty-eight others have been taken, and seventeen are to be executed in a few 
days, and the remainder in a short time after. Those already executed have been 
beheaded and quartered, and their parts sent to all the small ports around the 
island to be exhibited. 

"This capture is thought by the government of the island to be of the greatest 
importance; and it is believed, from the number taken and convicted, that it will 
be for a long time a complete check to piracies about that island." 

Thus, it will be seen that this most dangerous and hazardous of all 
naval duties; with but a single vessel, and that a schooner only, and 
under canvas alone; with an enemy to contend with, of the most des- 
perate character, which never gave quarter; murderers and robbers on 
the high seas, whose motto was "dead men tell no tales;" with the 
black flag of piracy and death "nailed to the mast," a bloody terror to 
mankind afloat, and infesting every port, harbor, cove and inlet of the 
islands of the Mexican Gulf and Carribean Sea, — the Naval duties 
which devolved upon Lieutenant Commandant John Drake Sloat and 
his officers and men, in sweeping the seas of these tigers in human 
form, so skilfully and completely performed, entitled him to the eternal 
gratitude of his countrymen and the rest of mankind. Courage of the 
most daring character, persevering steadily to the end, and a campaign 
afloat and on shore, planned and executed with the most consummate 
skill and achieved with the greatest triumphant success, attest to his 
qualities as a Commander, worthy of the highest admiration and praise. 



28 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 



CHAPTER III. 

The arduous duties assigned to Lieutenant Commandant Sloat, as 
related in the last Chapter, having been so well performed, entitled 
him to be relieved for a while, and the Nav}^ Department considerately 
ordered that he be detached from the "Grampus" and granted six 
months' leave of absence. 

On March 21, 1826, he was promoted to Master Commandant, and 
July 21, 1828, he was ordered to duty at the Naval Rendezvous at New 
York. 

On October 15, 1828, he was ordered to the command of the sloop- 
of-war "St. Louis," and for a long three 5'ears' cruise in the Pacific, 
where his good judgment, and firmness as an American Naval Officer 
in command, was in the interests of his country, to be well and 
thoroughl}' tested, requiring also the skill andj^tact of a statesman and 
a diplomat, in which he was not found wanting. 

While lying at Callao, in the spring of 1831, a revolution occurred 
in the Government of Peru, which placed Lieutenant Commandant 
Sloat in a delicate and peculiar situation, as General La Fuente, the 
Ex-Vice-President of the Republic, and General Miller took refuge in 
his ship. 

An interesting account of this affair is contained in a letter from 
General Miller, dated Callao Ba}-, April 19, 1831, from which we make 
the following extracts: 

"General Gatuarra left L,ima in September last for Cuzco, in order to suppress 
a conspirac}' in that city. Agreeable to the Constitution, the Vice-President, 
General La Fuente, took the supreme command; his conduct, to my certain 
knowledge, has been correct, honorable, and faithful to the State as well as to 
the President. Unfortunately, the President left his wife at Lima, and she, being 
of a dictatorial and domineering spirit, wished to rule the Vice-President as she 
had done her husband, who, in fact, never rt^sisted her wishes on any subject. 
This high-spirited and ambitious woman fomented an opposition, which was 
strengthened by false friends of the President, and some other designing and 
unprincipled men. Every act of La Fuente was construed by these miscreants 
as hostile to the President, and the vilest slanders were invented and published 
by the faction. The truth is, that the administration of La Fuente had increased 
in popularity by the active and straightforward course pursued. 

"The President, imposed upon by these artful misrepresentations, was led to 
believe that La Fuente was hostile and endeavoring to supplant him. Communi- 
cations were doubtless brought from headquarters by a Colonel Videl to the 
chiefs and officers of the garrisons of this port and Lima. That of the latter was 
composed of the battalion of Zepeta, 700 strong, some artillery and 200 cavalry. 
The commanding officer of Zepeta and the artillery were known to act in blind 
obedience to the heroine (Mrs. Gamarra), and for several days the Vice-Presi- 




The above picture represents the garrison of Sonoma as it appeared on the eventful Sunday 
morning, June 14, 1846, when it was surprised and captured by the Bear Flag Party. 




SONOMA, CALIFORNIA, IN 1S49 



m 




SAN FRANCISCO, 1849. 




San Jose, thk first State Capital of California under the Constitution, Decem- 
ber, 20, 1849. 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 29 

dent, Ministers and myself knew a revolution was meditated. It was determined 
that Zepeta should be sent to, agreeably to the repeated request of the President; 
and the Government, confiding in its innocence, conceived that the most zealous 
friends of Gamarra could have no real interest iu deposing the Vice-President; 
especially as it was known that his anxious desire was to deliver over the Gov- 
ernment to the President, who was expected to reach Lima in a few days. 

"However, to the surprise and indignation of tlie friends of order, the light 
company of Zepeta, about eight o'clock in the evening of the i6th inst., entered 
the house of General La Fuente, fired several shots, and endeavored to force 
their way into the room iu which he was in bed. At the alarm, he sprang up, and 
forcing his way through several soldiers, effected his escape to the kitchen, and 
through the chimney of which he gained the roof; and from thence, he was 
hotly pursued by an officer, who was shot dead by his own soldiers, they mistak- 
ing him for their Vice President. The light company, disappointed of their ob- 
ject, hastily returned to their barracks, taking prisoners two friends of General 
La Fuente, who happened to be in the house at the time of the attack. 

''The firing of the shots caused an immediate alarm in the streets, adjoining 
the Vice-President's house, and cries were heard in every direction of, 'The Bat- 
talion of Zepeta has revolted." and the inhabitants fled to their houses and 
closed the doors. 

"At this moment, I was lying in my bed from fatigue, having been ill for 
several days. Upon hearing the report from my aide-decamp, to whom I had 
just given orders, as well as to Colonel Allendes, to parade on horseback, and in 
disguise, in certain streets of the city, I immediately mounted and rode to La 
Fuente's house, ascertained that it had been attacked by troops, and then rode to 
the barracks of the three companies of the battalion of Callao. I could only 
form two, one being on guard; and I then sent an officer to the barracks of Zeptta 
to ascertain what had occurred. 

"He returned with a report that the corps was under arms with General 
Elespron, Prefect of the Department, at their head, who sent word that he had 
taken measures against the person of General La Fuente, in consequence of his 
having infringed the Constitution. He requested me to join him with the troops 
under my command, and adding, that he would hold me responsible for the 
attendant evils, if I did not comply with his wishes. To such a communication I 
made no reply; but sent orders to the cavalry to proceed to Callao, and I soon 
followed with the companies of infantry in the same direction; not doubting that 
the Governor and garrison of the Castle would act honorably towards the Gov- 
ernment which they had sworn to maintain. 

"By this movement, I prevented compromising the troops, in firing upon each 
other in town, and thought to insure possession of the fortress, until information 
could be obtained respecting the Vice-President, of whose situation I was then 
ignorant. To my astonishment, on my arrival, at three o'clock on the 17th. I 
was refused admittance into the fortifications, and soon after learned that tlie 
Governor, Colonel Echeniger, and the garrison acted in combination with the 
revolutionists of Lima. I took possession of the dismantled Fort of 'El Sol,' and 
I consented to hold an interview with General Benevedes, who had joined tlie 
revolutionists. The result was (that on the same day a detachment of 300 of the 
revolted troops having been allowed to enter the castles of Callao, under whose 
guns we were placed in the Fort of 'El Sol'), I was allowed to come here aid 
remain on board of this vessel, until the President's arrival from the south, or 
order should be established, so as to allow of my proceeding to the capital. I 



30 Life of Rear -Admiral John Drake Sloat 

was surprised on coining aboard this ship, to find General La Fuente already 
here. 

"On his gaining the roof of the house, it seems that three soldiers, stationed 
there, discharged their muskets at him, who was closely pursued by an officer, 
Lieutenant Bajar, sword in hand. They loaded a second time, and, mistaking 
their leader for General La Fuente, shot him dead. On discovering their mis- 
take, they ceased further pursuit of the fugitive, and to this circumstance the 
Vice-President owes his escape. After running to the extreme end of the quadra 
(square), on the roofs, and jumping over several brick walls, he lowered himself 
into the room of a carpenter, whom he had often employed. This man clad the 
General in a suit of his own, and cut off his mustachios; he also handed him six 
doubloons (I96.00), which were his all; conducted him to the house of a friend, 
whence he proceeded to Chorillos, and there, taking a canoe, he came on board 
this ship, where he is as comfortable as the hospitality of her generous Com- 
mander can make him, and as secure from persecuting assassins as the powerful 
flag of the United States can render him." 

Lieutenant Commander Sloat acted in this business with the advice 
of our Legation at Litna; and his affording refuge to these distin- 
guished, but unfortunate, functionaries was approved by our Govern- 
ment. He returned to New York in the winter of 183 1-2, in the "St. 
Louis." When within six miles of vSand}' Hook, he was blown to 
sea, and for twenty-one days, unable to gain the port of New York. 
The crew suffered greatly by frost. He had been granted, on Decem- 
ber 10, 1S31, three months' leave of absence, of which he availed him- 
self on reaching port. 



lylFE OF REAR-AdMIRAI. JOHN DrAKE S1.OAT 31 



CHAPTER IV. 

On December 26, 1832, Lieutenant Commander Sloat was ordered 
to command the Naval Rendezvous at New York. On February 9, 
1837, lie was promoted to the grade of Captain. On March 15, 1837, 
he was detached from the Naval Rendezvous at New York. 

On October 16, 1840, he was ordered to the command of the Nav}' 
Yard at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where he was stationed for the 
period of three years. 

. While engaged for several years at the Naval Rendezvous at New 
York, he was much engaged in the superintendency of the Coast Sur- 
veys and the Recruiting Service, as well as in other professional duties. 

The option having been tendered to him by the Naval Department 
of the command of the frigate "Potomac" or of the Portsmouth Navy 
Yard, he preferred the latter, where he continued for three years as 
stated, and during which period he had ample opportunity of displaying 
his good taste and skill in Naval Architecture. 

Those then proud specimens, the sloops-of-war or corvettes "Ports- 
mouth" and "Saratoga," were constructed under his supervision; and 
he had the satisfaction, also, to superintended the rebuilding, from the 
keel, of the frigate "Congress" (then unsurpassed by any vessel afloat), 
that he so gallantly saved in the early part of his career, and which 
afterwards followed him to the Pacific and formed a part of his 
squadron. 

But we must not anticipate events, which hereinafter follow, in his 
glorious record, which has been so wantonly, unjustly and unfairl)^ 
assailed with falsehood by several individuals, one of whom has been 
expelled from the Society of California Pioneers as an Honorary Mem- 
ber for his mendacity and slander, and another should be for the same 
reason, and which has already been referred to in the Introductory to 
this work. 

It is now necessary for our purpose to briefly revert to the times and 
the conditions of affairs, both in the Old and the New World, in which 
then Captain Sloat had not been altogether an idle spectator, when the 
most important events were transpiring with nations, and when the 
practical application of steam and electricity, so common in the present 
age were then utterly unknown. Vessels then were entirely propelled 
by wind and sails. Rifled cannon then had not been introduced; per- 
cussion and the electric button were then unknown, and only the pow- 
der-horn for priming and the linstock with the cotton port fire were 
used for firing the muzzle-loaded cannon, both on sea and land; while 



32 Life of Rear Admirai, John Drake Sloat 

breech-loaders of artillery and small arms had not then been invented, 
and flint-locked muskets, carbines and pistols of armies, and rifles and 
shotguns of the hunters and sportsmen, were the sole firearms used. 
"Pick your flint and try it again," was a common saying about any- 
thing when the first trial failed. It was not until 1846 that any portion 
of the U. S. Army, and then at first to only a few companies of in- 
fantry, specially selected for light infantry duty, and engaged in skir- 
mishing in the preliminary work preparatory to a general engagement 
and to feel the enemy's lines, were percussion lock muskets issued. 

Iron and steel for the hulls of vessels of war or the merchant marine 
on seas, lakes and rivers were not used until the duel between the 
"Monitor" and "Merrimac" (or "Virginia") startled the entire 
world; and only the wooden walls of the staunchest oak were used in 
construction, and broadside to broadside, yard-arm to yard-arm, guns 
muzzle to muzzle, and the enemies' ships lashed together, the strength 
of the material and the skill of the builders, were to be tested in close 
combat in the mutual destruction of each other, with "Boarders away!" 
to storm and clear the decks of the opposing foe, with cutlass amidst 
the flames of a floating hell. 

It was in such a school that young Sloat graduated, fought and 
navigated his vessels, when there was no such thing as the technical 
school as the Naval Academy at Annapolis, which has since turned out 
such splendid heroes and commanders as adorn our national and naval 
history. 

When our armies had failed on land; the disgraceful surrender of 
Hull at Detroit, and St. Clair's defeat by the British and Indians com- 
bined, had spread a gloom over the country, it was the Navy and its 
deeds which shone like the sun on the black cloud which covered the 
land, and painted the rainbows of hope of ultimate victory to be 
achieved, iij the second war for American Independence of England, 
with the motto, "Free trade for American Commerce and Sailor's 
Rights," blazing in the sky over the waters of the Atlantic, and the 
Navy successfully fought the fight to a finish when the Capital of the 
Nation had been reduced to ashes by the vandal invader, and destruc- 
tion marked the trail of his footsteps, when he was at last driven from 
our shores. 

In the achievements and victories of our Nav}^ Sloat bore a most 
gallant part, with the hero Decatur for his Commander, tutor, com- 
panion and exemplar, whose friendship and esteem la.sted through life, 
until the latter's unfortunate and fatal duel with Commodore Barron. 

When the whole of Spanish America on the Northern and Southern 
Continents from the Oregon line to Cape Horn was in revolt against 
Spain, and Mexico, Central America, Colombia, Venezuela, Bolivia, 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 33 

Peru, Chile, the Argentines, Paraguay and Uruguay, from the southern 
shore of Brazil to the Straits of Magellan, all declared their independ 
ence in 1820 and successfully fought to secure it, the last Spanish sol- 
dier and civil officer was driven from the American shores to return no 
more forever. Letters of Marque for privateers with some few vessels 
of war for their infant navies, the latter largely manned b}^ capable 
officers and seamen from the United States and Europe, in sympathy 
with the new and blood-born Republics of the south, soon swept the 
seas of Spain's ships of war and her proud galleons filled with treasure, 
and the prize money followed the rule, ' 'To the victors belong the spoils." 

The cruelty of the Spaniards in those times, as in later years was 
merciless and indescribable; and in turn begat equal cruelty towards 
themselves in retaliation when there was opportunity b}- those whom 
the}^ had for centuries enslaved and oppressed, until mankind could 
bear no more. Their independence was achieved after the most san- 
guinar}' struggles, when no quarter was given by either side, and these 
new nations, then Republics onh' in name, were recognized at last, 
even by Spain, who left the vast territory, covered with castles and for- 
tresses, stocked with artillery and arms, churches, convents, and the 
Holy Office of the Inquisition intact; while the number of cannon left 
behind of bronze mixed with silver would astonish even now the gun 
foundry men of the world. 

Many Americans even from the New England States had volun- 
teered in the armies or navies and privateers of these »Spanish coun- 
tries, and returned to their homes. Billerica for Richville), in Massa- 
chusetts was so named by some of these who had served in securing 
Mexican Independence. Among them was one man, John Paul Jones 
Davidson, who served with Commodore Stephen Decatur in the Medi- 
terranean, in the war with the Algerian Pirates, and was the one who 
actually set fire to the U. S. frigate "Philadelphia," which had 
grounded, and to prevent her falling into their hands. He held a com- 
mission in the Mexican Navy, and afterwards was a Warrant Officer 
again in the U. S. Navy, lived to the age of ninety-eight years, and 
died a few years ago at Georgetown, El Dorado County, California. 
The late Commodore David Porter, the father of the late Admiral David 
Porter, who fought in command of the "Essex" against Great Britain 
in the harbor of Valparaiso, Chile, and lost his ship in 1812-14, also 
held a commission in the Mexican Navy, and was by decree made a 
citizen of Mexico as well, for his gallant services in aid of that country 
in securing its independence. 

All of this history was well known by Sloat, for he had been, to a 
greater or lesser degree in his official capacity, acquainted and asso- 
ciated with some of these men. 



34 IviFE OF Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat 

Continued revolutions b}- ambitious military chieftains of these 
newly-fledged nations, who were constantly at war among themselves, 
while blood flowed as freely as w^ater, they became impoverished in 
both treasure and population and unable to protect themselves from 
the hostile tribes of Indians on their borders, who kept up a predatory 
warfare incessantly, and enriched themselves by raids upon the cities 
and towns of the frontiers, and were fast wiping out all vestiges of 
civilization, such as it was on the shores from the Mexican Gulf to the 
Pacific Ocean. 

As a barrier to all this, by treaty and contracts, and offers of grants 
of land, enterprising and courageous Americans were induced and 
invited to the soil of Texas, wnth the most liberal guarantees of prom- 
ises made, to secure them in all the freedom which they enjoyed in 
their native homes. All these were accepted and entered upon by 
these American emigrants in good faith. The New Englanders under 
Austin with his colonists from Connecticut, and the hard}' pioneers and 
hunters west of the Alleghany Mountains, met on the soil. of Texas, 
and blended together in establishing American civilization, where the 
Indian savages had for centuries unknown roamed at will. The 
scholar and illiterate backwoodsman came together and fraternized; 
the former, to "teach the young idea how to shoot," and the other, to 
teach the scholar how to shoot the rifle, and they engaged in the mu- 
tual education of each other. Towns were built, school-houses and 
churches were erected, and the preaching and exhortations of Metho- 
dists and other parsons were heard on Sundays, and camp meetings 
held, as was the custom in the United States, while American civiliza- 
tion w^as firmly planted and becoming dominant over that country of 
T^xas where savage barbarism and solitude had once prevailed. 

This promising condition of things seemed to be a sure guarantee 
of the future, and a large number of the most prominent public men of 
the States of the Mississippi Valley were attracted to the soil of Texas 
to identify themselves with the emigration which had preceded them 
and there settled. The remains of former Spanish and Mexican towns 
were still in existence, and some in a state of partial restoration, with 
gradual improvement going on. Business began to prosper, and trades 
of all kinds becoming active. The swarthy Mexican of the frontier 
and the copper-colored Indian of the Plains, who formerly had been 
enemies looked with jealous eyes upon this new order of things, which, 
in its advancement, was to press them farther back in its onward 
march. Unfriendliness began to manifest itself, which ere long was to 
deluge that part of the American continent with horrible crimes and 
bloodshed. 

That curse of every nation, entailed b}' Spain and left as a blighting 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 35 

legacy and inheritance upon Mexico and all other portions of Spanish 
America, the "Union of Church and State," was soon to bear bloody 
fruit on the soil of Texas. The Declaration of Independence of Mexico 
by the Warrior Priest Hidalgo, declared "that the religion of the State 
should be Roman Catholic, and none other tolerated." This remained 
in force, and in 1835 the Constitution of Mexico still declared as 
follows: 

"The religion of the Mexican nation is, and will be perpetually, the Roman 
Catholic Apostolic. The nation will protect it by wise and just laws, and prohibit 
the exercise of any other whatever.'''' 

This had been the Constitutional Law of Mexico from the very be- 
ginning up to that time. Con.sequently all agreements, contracts and 
grants of lands by treaties with emigrants and colonies as to the enjoy- 
ment of their own particular religion in conflict with that provision of 
the Mexican Constitution were null and void, which the Mexican Gov- 
ernment then knew in advance. That in the very beginning was direct 
deception and fraud. The colonists and emigrants, not being fully 
aware of this, entered upon their part of the agreement made in good 
faith; but later, when they were becoming prosperous and unmolested 
for several years, found that they had been woefully deceived. They 
were not exempt from the provisions of that Constitution, or from pay- 
ing the exactions of the State Church of one-tenth of all they had 
acquired or possessed. To this there was either indiiference or direct 
opposition. Behind the Cross of the Church was the Sword of State, 
with the whole Mexican nation to strike with it, as directed ex cathedra 
by the hierarchy of the Church. 

The Texas colonists in towns being too powerful and numerous to 
fall upon in a body, in the beginning, the settlers on the scattered 
ranches and farms were first to feel the blows. Their owners were 
murdered, homes were robbed and burned, the women ravished and 
thrown into the flames, and their property seized or destroyed. The 
torch, the knife and the bullet were soon getting in their deadly work. 
The towns were filled to overflowing with refugees, and a wail of woe 
and lamentation went up all over Texas. Crimes of the most fiendish 
character were enacted. The natural result was, as the last resort, for 
the American Texans to declare their Independence of Mexico, and 
incidentally its oppressive Constitution with it, which was the base of 
all their troubles, calamities and sorrows, which had come upon them. 
Almost simultaneously in the re-promulgation of the Mexican Consti- 
tution in 1836, that of the Republic of Texas was declared on June 24, 
1836, and in which appears the following: 

"No preference shall be given by law to any religious denomination or mode 



36 Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat 

of worship over another* but every person shall be permitted to worship God 
according to the dictates of his oivn conscience.'" 

This is more direct and expressive than the Constitution of the 
United States, which reads as follows: 

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or pro- 
hibit the free exercise thereof." 

This leaves it indefinite as to States; but fortunately the States have 
severally embodied the same principle in their Constitutions. 

The struggles for Texan Independence, in proportion, far surpassed 
our own in the Revolutionary war. Though adroitly held in the back- 
ground by the contending powers, and kept so later by modern so- 
called historians, it was really a conflict between these opposing hostile 
Constitutions, and w^hich was being settled by the final arbitrament of 
the sword — Mexico united with a Church in arms, and Texas in arms 
without a Church. To Mexico with its Church the Texans w^ere rebels 
and heretics. Santa Ana was President and Dictator of the Mexican 
nation. He was the most treacherous and cruel of any man at the head 
of a nation since the days of the Emperor Nero at Rome. Totally 
devoid of all honor, and at last as false to his own country as he had 
been to all else, as will be seen further on. 

The terrible and atrocious massacre of Fannin and his men at 
Goliad, on March 27, 1836, and at the Alamo, San Antonio, Texas, are 
entirely without a parallel in warfare by any so-called civilized nation. 
That of Goliad in particular. 

We shall refer our readers to the various histories of Texas in which 
all agree in the statement of the facts, and we will only quote what a 
Mexican of^cer himself said of the " Massacre of the Texan Prisoners:" 

"This day — Palm Sunday, March 27th — has been to me a day of most heartft-lt 
sorrow. At six in the morning, the execution of four hundred and twelve Ameri- 
can prisoners was commenced and continued until eight, when the last of the 
number was shot. At eleven commenced the operation of burning their bodie?. 
But what an awful scene did the field present, when the prisoners were executed 
and" fell dead in heaps! And what spectator could view it without horror? Tliey 
were all young— the oldest not more than thirty — and of fine florid complexions. 
When the unfortunate youths were brought to the place of death, their lamenta- 
tions, and the appeals which they uttered to Heaven, in their own language, with 
extended arms, kneeling or prostrate on the earth, were such as might have 
caused the very stones to cry out in compassion." — Pease's History of Texas, 
Page 339. 

The Independence of Texas was declared on March 2, 1836. The 
Battle of San Jacinto was fought on April 21, 1836, following, or about 
seven weeks afterwards, when Santa Ana was defeated with terrible loss 
by General Sam. Houston, commanding the Texans, and he taken 
prisoner. 




WILLIAM P. TOLER, ESQ. 
Of Oakland, California 



7J^^°iu^l ^ Midshipman and Staft Officer, first under Commodore Ap. Catesby Tones of the U S Naw in ,S., 




GOV. RODMAN M. PRICE 

Of New Jersey 



A Master Mason. Purser ol Commodore Sloat's Squadron and who read his proclamation at the raising 
of the American Flag at Monterey, California, July yth, 1846. Resigned and was associated with Col. John D. 
Stevenson and others in San Francisco in August, 1849, in organizing a Masonic Hall Association before any 
Lodge was organized. 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 37 

While Santa Ana was prisoner, and at the same time the Dictator 
and President of Mexico, the Government of Mexico was without a 
head, and he was the onh- authorit}' to make a treat}' with, although a 
prisoner. The stipulations were then and there drawn up, which he 
and his Generals signed, officialh' acknowledging the Independence of 
Texas. 

Article IV. reads as follows: 

"Fourth. That the President (Santa Ana), in his official capacity as Chief of 
the Mexican nation, and the Generals Don Vincente Filasola, Don Jose Urea, 
Don Toaquin Ramirez y Sesma, and Don Antonio Gaona, Chiefs of Armies, do 
solemnly acknowledge, sanction and ratify the full, entire and perfect independ- 
ence of the Republic of Texas, with such boundaries as are hereafter set forth 
and agreed upon for the same." 

Stipulations fixed the boundary of the Rio Grande, or Rio Bravo, 
as it is some times called. 

Santa Ana and his Generals were released then on parole, and he 
was sent to New Orleans with a guard to protect him from the ven- 
geance of the Texans. The other prisoners were exchanged or paroled 
and returned home. But the end was not yet. Santa Ana and his 
Generals returned home, violated his compact as President in acknowl- 
edging the Independence of Texas, as well as his parole. The Mexi- 
can Congress would not concttr in his action, and soon after hostilities 
were restimed and he again took the field. 

On the 17th of June, 1844, he issued his Decree, or a new Declara- 
tion of War, and his orders were promulgated as follows: 

"ORDERS OF GENERAIv WOIvL. 

"Headquarters of the Army of the North, 
"MiER, June 20, 1844. 

"I, Adrian Woll, General of Brigade, etc., make known: 

"i. The armistice agreed upon with the Department of Texas having ex- 
pired, and the war in consequence recommenced against the inhabitants of the 
Department, all communication with it ceases. 

"2. Every individual of whatever condition who may contravene the provis- 
ions of the preceding article, shall be regarded as a traitor, and shall receive the 
punishment prescribed in Article XlyV., Treatise 8, of the Articles of War. 

"3. Every individtiaL who may be found at the distance of one league from 
the left bank of the Rio Bravo, ivill be regarded as a favorer and an accomplice 
of the usurpers of that part of the national territory, and as a traitor of his 
coutitry; and after a summary military trial, shall receive the above punishment. 

"4. Every individual who may be comprehended within the provisions of the 
preceding article, and may be rash enough to fly at the sight of any force belong- 
ing to the Supreme Government, shall be pursued until taken, or put to death." 

Thus that cruel war was renewed. Not a spark of honor remained 
in Santa Ana's breast; and if he had again been taken prisoner by the 
Texans, what his fate may have been can reasonably be conjectured. 



38 Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat 

The Government of the United States had no faith in him, and Ameri- 
can merchants in Mexico were harassed and robbed by ' ' forced loans ' ' 
wherever found in the Mexican Republic south of the Rio Grande to 
the Gulf of California and Central America. 

Mexico was looking forward to an alliance with Great Britain with 
a prospective war with the United States on account of the disputed 
northern boundary between Oregon and the British Possessions, and 
for which secret negotiations were endeavoring to be made by which 
Mexico was to pay her English debt of fifty millions of dollars by the 
cession of California to Great Britain. Of this the U. S. Government 
was fully apprised, but which was to be prevented at any cost. The 
keenest diplomacy was observed by all parties. 

During this period, Commodore Thomas Ap Catesby Jones com- 
manded the U. S. Squadron in the Pacific, and, having special orders 
and instructions, he awaited at Callao, Peru, for advices from the U. S. 
Minister, Hon. Mr. Pickett, at Lima. 

We have now to introduce another character, one with whom we 
were personally and intimately acquainted for o\'er forty years, who 
figures at intervals in this history, 

MIDSHIPMAN WILLIAM P. TOLKR, U. S. N., 

from whose lips we took down what appears herein, concerning himself 
and the historic events with which he was connected when living. 

William P. Toler was a native of Venezuela, where he was born 
December 23, 1825. His father was a native of Virginia. When a 
young man, he went on business to Venezuela, where he was married 
to a Spanish lady of that country. Two children were born to Mr. 
and Mrs. Toler, William P. Toler, and a sister, who subsequently mar- 
ried Judge L. W. Hastings, a Pioneer of California, with whom we 
were well acquainted and who figures in California history. 

At the time of the residence of the family in Venezuela, William P. 
Toler' s father was engaged in commercial pursuits for many years. 
His mother died when he was onl}' about three years of age. Subse- 
quently the father returned to his native State, and was afterwards ap- 
pointed U. S. Consul to Porto Rico, in the West Indies, where he 
remained for many years. He afterwards returned to Virginia, and 
later to Washington, where he officiated in connection with the diplo- 
matic corps of this country. It was under these circumstances, and in 
the Capital of the Nation, that William P. Toler was educated. As he 
advanced towards young manhood, he became a clerk in the office of 
Attorney-General John J. Crittenden. That was during the incum- 
bency in the Presidential chair of William Henry Harrison (who died 
shortly after his induction into that office, and was succeeded by Vice- 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 39 

President John Tyler, of Virginia). But William P. Toler had no idea 
of becoming a lawyer, and he preferred then "a life on the ocean 
wave," and desired to be appointed a Midshipman in the U. S. Navy, 
and from Virginia, as that was his father's native State; but, much to 
his disappointment, its quota allow^ed to the Congressional districts of 
that State was full. At this crisis he sought advice from his father, 
who recommended him to call upon Henry Clay, Kentucky's greatest 
statesman, and see what he could do for him in this emergency. Henr}^ 
Clay said to him, "Young man, your father is a Virginian, and so am 
I by birth, but I am now a Kentuckian; and as we have no salt water 
excepting for deer licks, and no place for naval operations, and nobody 
just now from Kentucky who wants to go to sea, I will make a Ken- 
tuckian of you by adoption and send you to sea." So young Toler was 
appointed a Midshipman in the Navy from Kentucky in 1841, when he 
was but sixteen years of age. During that year, throughout the coun- 
try, something which had never occurred before in the same period, 
two hundred and fifty Midshipmen were appointed to the United States 
Navy when there was no Naval Academy. 

William P. Toler was a fluent speaker, and a writer of his native 
Spanish language, andy at the request of Commodore Thomas Ap 
Catesby Jones, was assigned and appointed aide-de-camp on his staff in 
1 841, and accompanied him to the Pacific Station. 

This now brings us direct to California History. 

At Callao, Peru, Commodore Jones received such information from 
the American Minister, Hon. Mr. Pickett, at lyima, and believing 
from his secret orders received that he felt that he had full authority to 
act upon learning that war had broken out between the United States 
and Mexico, he sailed direct to Monterey, California, to take possession 
of the country. He arrived at Monterey on the iSth of October, 1842, 
in the frigate "United States," as his flagship, with the sloop-of-war 
"Cyane," Captain Stringham in command. He at once sent a demand 
to Captain Silva, the Commandante, to surrender, which demand was 
complied with. The Mexican flag was hauled down and the American 
flag raised on the next day, October 19, 1842. in which act Midshipman 
Toler, as aide-de-camp, with the Quartermaster, performed that dut)' 
and hoisted it himself. With him was Commodore Jones' Secretary, a 
Mr. L,arraintree, and they had been ordered to search the office of the 
Collector of Customs in the old Custom House at Monterey, but at first 
succeeded in finding no records of any value, as they had been carried 
away. After looking around, Toler espied in a corner a dirty bundle 
of papers, which he dusted, and to his surprise found that they had 
never been opened. He concluded to open the package, and discovered 
some of the ver}^ latest news as regarded the condition of affairs be- 



40 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

tvveen the two countries, and found that Commodore Jones had been 
altogether too hasty in his conclusions and actions, and placed the 
papers in the Commodore's hands, who, upon their examination and 
much to his mortification, found that he had been too previous in this 
matter. He accordingly sent j'oung Toler ashore on the 21st, who 
hauled down the American flag and hoisted the Mexican flag, which 
was saluted with twenty-one guns. Commodore Jones immediately 
sent word overland to Governor-General Micheltorena at Los Angeles, 
and the whole matter was to be referred to their respective Govern- 
ments. He set sail for San Pedro, and upon arrival there went to Los 
Angeles, where he held a personal interview with Governor Michel- 
torena, which concluded with festivities and a grand ball and enter- 
tainment, which were given to the Commodore and the other U. S. 
Naval officers. Commodore Jones was recalled by the Navy Depart- 
ment on January 24, 1843, and Commodore A. J. Dallas appointed to 
succeed him. He took his departure for the United States, leaving 
Toler upon the Pacific Station, of whom we shall frequently make 
mention hereafter. The U. S. Government disavowed his act, but at 
the same time kept a sharp lookout upon Mexico during her cruel war- 
fare with the Texans, who still, although almost in a state of despair, 
continued to maintain the unequal conflict. Reinforcements from ardent 
sympathizers in the United States flocked to the standards of the " Lone 
Star Republic." As Commodore Foote, of the United States Navy, 
when in the Chinese Seas, declared that "blood is thicker than 
water," so the massacre at Goliad, and the Alamo, aroused the fire of 
the young men of the Mississippi Valley to rush to the aid of their 
kindred in Texas, and avenge those horrible deeds, which had aroused 
the whole of the people of the United States. The selfi.shness of poli- 
ticians in both Houses of Congress was manifested by injecting false 
issues in their debates of a sectional character, while they could stand 
calmly by and look coldly on these bloody massacres of those who were 
of their own race, and had gone to settle that countr}- by invitation and 
inducements of those who w^ere at last to become their butchers and 
slaughter them like .sheep driven to the shambles; and while the blood 
of the victims was crying to heaven from the ground for vengeance, 
the question of sectional political supremacy became a drop-curtain 
over the terrible deeds behind the scenes. Manhood seemed to be 
stifled in every politician's breast in the Capitol at Washington. 

Captain Sloat watched all these things with an anxious eye and a 
beating heart, for he had a full knowledge of all that was pa.ssing in 
the political panorama, and of affairs along our southwestern border, 
when, like drifting ships, sooner or later there was bound inevitabh' to 
be a collision somewhere, and he knew bv observation and instinct 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 41 

what was coming. Somewhat to his surprise, he, as Post Captain or 
Commodore, on August 27, 1844, was ordered by the Secretary of the 
Navy, John Y. Mason, to command the Pacific Squadron, and to sail 
the same course in which his brother officer, Commodore Jones, by 
a too Hteral compliance with his instructions and too soon in his actions 
had committed a mistake. 

For a year or more the Republic of Texas, with outstretched arms 
and with piteous appeal to the United States, begged to be admitted 
into the American Union in agon\- of almost hopeless despair. If the 
people of the United States were to reject their own kindred and thrust 
them back into a slaughter pen, then they would throw themselves into 
the arms of England or France for protection, as their last hope for life 
and liberty under a Constitutional monarchy, and abide their destiny. 

Bills and resolutions had been introduced into both houses of Con- 
gress, and it was a long game of battledore and shuttlecock between 
soulless politicians. At last the joint resolution of the admission of 
the State of Texas into the Union was passed March i, 1845, and the 
last official act of John Tyler, President of the United States, was to 
affix his official signature to it on March 3, 1845, ^^^<^ the Lone Star of 
Texas took its place on the Star Spangled Banner in the constellation 
of the LTnion, where it will remain forever. 

Commodore Robert Field Stockton, of the United States Navy, 
was appointed b}' President James Knox Polk as bearer of dispatches 
with a copy of the joint resolution just passed and signed, and with 
instructions to officially notify the Government of Texas of the action 
of the United States in admitting her into the L'nion. What a joyous 
mission was his at that time, and what a splendid career and fame for 
him la}' in the womb of the future ; but we will not anticipate. 

Texas as one of the Ignited States was now within the fold. The 
Mexican people, tired with Santa Ana, and distrustful of his move- 
ments among themselves, banished him from his countr}'. Mexico 
was in constant revolution, and united in only one thing, and that was 
in hostile sentiment against the L^nited States for annexing Texas, 
where she continued her depredations as far as she was able, and con- 
centrating her armies on her northern frontier preparing for the con- 
flict that was soon to follow. The war clouds were growing blacker, 
and the distant thunder began to rumble in the sky along the Great 
River, claimed by both the LTnited States and Texas as the true bound- 
ary between the two countries. But a year of uncertainty on both 
sides was to intervene, filling the public mind and the departments of 
government with perplexit}' and doubt. Long months were required 
before communication could be had with the United States naval forces 
in the Pacific, and partly then at great risk through Mexican territory. 



42 Life of Rfar-Admirai, John Drake Sloat 

Orders were to be sent to Commodore Sloat by the Secretary of the 
Navy, and after being despatched by him came very near, by accident, 
of not reaching him at all ; as will be seen by the following account, 
for which we are indebted to the Rev. A. A. McAlister, U. S. N., 
Chaplain at the Mare Island Navy Yard: 

"A BIT OF HISTORY-MAKING. 

"Among the fellow-passengers crossing the Atlantic with Bishop Nichols in 
1S97 was Mr. Charles H. Haswell, the author of the Tables used by every engi- 
neer, and of other importaut and interesting books, including a History of Old 
New York. He then gave the Bishop an account of his association in the For- 
ties, when a naval officer, with the beginning of American California. He has 
recently, at the Bishop's request, written it out, and we are enabled to publish it 
here. The instructions of which he writes were those to the American Com- 
mandant of the Pacific Naval station touching the raising of the flag. Though 
in his ninety-second year Mr. Haswell still visits his office and is probably the 
oldest active citizen of New York. 

"324 West 78TH Street, New York, 
"Right Reverend Sir: • June 15, 1901. 

"Herewith I enclose the recital you have been pleased to ask for. 

****-;:-*****■!!• 

"When I think of what the consequence of the vessel sailing without the 
dispatches and the delay in the fitting out of another, and the chance of a second 
one being lost or delayed, I am thankful. 

"With great and sincere regard; I am yours, CiiAS. H. HaswelIv- 

"On Saturday, in the year 184- (which I do not recollect, but you will know) 
the Secretary of the Navy, George Bancroft, learning that I was to leave for Nor- 
folk in the afternoon, directed the mail bags for the Pacific Squadron to be sent 
to my house for me to deliver to the Commandant of the Navy Yard there. 

"Shortly before leaving, the Department Messenger came to my house and 
delivered the bags, together with two large and well tilled sealed envelopes, each 
addressed to the Commandant of the Pacific Squadron; left them without any 
message, and very negligently threw them down on the inside of the outer door 
of my house; but as I opined that the dispatches were of much importance, I 
took them up and put them in my traveling writing case for safety. 

"Prior to this, the Secretary had directed the fitting out of a brig at the Nor- 
folk Navy Yard, and ordered two lieutenants, as bearers of dispatches to proceed 
in her to the Isthmus, thence to the North with the other dispatch (as the loca- 
tion of the Commandant of the Station was unknown); and to be delivered to 
him with the greatest practical dispatch. 

"On my arrival at Norfolk I delivered the mail bags to the Commandant at 
the Station, and in company with him went to church. So soon as the mail bags 
were received on board the vessel, 10 a. m., she proceeded on her course. 

"On my return from church I went to my room and, having occasion to open 
my writing case, was horrified at seeing the dispatches which I had omitted to 
deliver with the bags, and for which single purpose the vessel and bearers of 
the dispatches were detailed (the transmission of the bags being wholly inci- 
dental), and she was on her way to bear them. My first impulse was to go to the 
window and cry 'Fire,' my next to jump out of it, and next to reflect, when I 
arrived at the following: A fog was appearing, and the vessel in consequence 



IviFE OF Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 43 

may have to anchor at Old Point Comfort, whereupon I went to the slip where 
row boats were to be had, and consulted with an old and selected boatman, who 
agreed with me that the vessel would have to anchor, but where and how could 
he find her in the fog? Possibly by the half hour striking of her bell. I then 
told him I would give him five dollars if he would deliver the parcels on board 
the vessel and bring me a receipt for them. He proceeded, and I in the mean- 
while tried to forget my trouble until I could see him and learn the result of his 
mission. About 11 P. M. I went to the slip and learned from him that the vessel 
had not sailed, and received from him the required receipt. 

"On my return to Washington on Tuesday morning the Secretary sent for me- 
He met me with both hands extended, and in his peculiar voice, when he was 
much interested, 'Where are the dispatches?' 'I delivered them on board the 
vessel.' This was satisfactory. From the manner in which he asked I was con- 
fident the lieutenants had written him that they had not received them on Sunday 

"Now what the timely result was of the reception of one of the dispatches by 
the Commandant at the Pacific Station, and what would have been the result 
had he not received them at the very time he did, I leave you and some of your 
acquaintances who were in or near San Francisco at the time of the arrival there 
of the Pacific Squadron, to infer," 



44 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 



CHAPTER V. 

As a whole ^-ear is to elapse befoie the orders sent to Commodore 
Sloat to be executed, it is well, perhaps, to take a cursor}- glance at the 
condition of affairs in California at that time, and examine some points 
which have been overlooked or intentionally omitted by other writers. 

California by its isolation as a province of Mexico, remote from the 
home government, separated by the vast sandy deserts of Arizona and 
the peninsula of Lower California, was a terra incognita for several hun- 
dred years before the Franciscan Friars under the lead of Junipero 
Serra, commenced their w'ork of establishing missions in California for 
the propagation of the Roman Catholic Apostolic Faith among the In- 
dians. The sword alwaj-s accompanied the Cross from the time of the 
Crusades and the sailing of Columbus from Palos in Spain, when he 
landed for the first time on the shores of America when he had made 
Ms great discovery. The Franciscan Fathers were pious, devoted 
men, faithful to their calling, true to their religion, circumspect in their 
deportment, patient, persevering and inflexible in their purpose, to 
which they had devoted their lives. Hospitable and kind in their 
nature, polite and affable in their demeanor, and perfect gentlemen in 
their intercourse with others. 

The}' were architects and builders, as well as masters of trades; 
agriculturalists, horticulturists, vineyardists, and raisers of hor.ses, 
cattle and sheep, and who made careful selections of the best breeds, 
which they imported from their native country of Spain. They were 
always accompanied by small numbers of troops for their protection, as 
well as to secure willing or unwilling neophytes or converts to their 
faith. It was often compulsory education, conversion and instruction, 
in industrial pursuits, the mechanical arts, or on the ranches, in the 
orchards and vineyards, where the Indians were made to work, receiv- 
ing a portion of the rewards of their own labors, and witnessing the 
products of their own hands; but paramount to all this was the teaching 
and indoctrinating the Indian mind and heart with the tenets of the 
Holy Faith as far as their natures could absorb it. When persuasion 
failed, military force was used or threatened the wound made and the 
salve applied. Thus barbarism was subdued, tribal relationship in 
part destroyed, and ci\ilization under ecclesiastical rule established, 
peaceably if they could, but forcibly if they must. 

The niaif Is or barracks for the troops were never separated from 
the missions, but being clo.se at hand they were ready for any emer- 
gency that might arise. The officers and men, like the Fathers, were 




1- "^-^ ^\f N^ 




Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 45 

chiefly from Old Spain, or of pure Spanish blood, and were permitted 
to bring their families with them, those who were married. Missions 
were established from San Diego on the south, and as far as Sonoma 
on the north. They were generally located inland a short distance 
from the coast, where they might not be disturbed by the contamina- 
tions of the marauding freebooters that swarmed along the more south- 
ern Spanish main. The missions flourished in what was comparatively 
virgin soil. Their manufactures and products wonderfully increased, 
while their horses and cattle numbered far into the thousands of each 
mission. With this the families of the soldiers increased largely in 
proportion, and extensive grants of lands were made to them, and stock 
and supplies furnished at the beginning until they were no longer re- 
quired. They became a pastoral and agricultural people. The grants 
were given them as so many leagues of large cattle (gayiado mayor), 
meaning to convey the amount of land necessary for their grazing pur- 
poses. Literally, in plain English, it was movable real estate on the 
hoof. 

The increase of population, native and by immigration, required the 
founding of a few pueblos, or towns, and two or three with the more 
pretentious titles of cities. La Ciudad de nuestra Senora de los Angeles, 
or the City of our Lady of the Angeles, or Dos Angeles for short, and 
Monterey, and San Diego, while the pueblos of San Jose, Branciforte, 
or Santa Cruz, and Sonoma, at considerable distances apart, formed the 
general centers of the not numerous population, who desired a civil 
government. The condition of affairs in California was far different 
from that of Texas. Trade with the outer world was encouraged to a 
certain extent. The circulating medium ran at large, and when nec- 
essary for banking and commercial purposes, to be converted into 
"California bank bills," the rawhide mint was set to work and the 
dried skins of the slaughtered cattle and their tallow, became the ac- 
cepted currency of the commercial exchange in those early days. 

New England merchant vessels were the principal carriers, while 
their owners and supercargoes conducted the business of barter and 
trade, of exchanging goods and "Yankee notions" for the hides and 
furs offered by the native Californians. Contraband trade, caused by 
the high tariff and excessive duties, was to a greater or lesser extent 
practiced, and the evasion of complying with the laws of the customs, 
amounting almost to confiscation by charges equal at times to the value 
of the goods, made smuggling almost a virtue ex necessitate, and there 
was no commercial dishonor attached to illicit trade. Many agents of 
these enterprising New England and other American traders, as well 
as some few Europeans, located, married into the Spanish families and 
settled in California all along the coast, and financially bettered their 



46 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

condition. They were married by the Fathers of the established re- 
ligion, and they and their children became thoroughly identified with 
it. Commerce knows no religion, and at times is utterl)- without mor- 
als. If religion was for sale, and could be made useful and profitable 
for trade, commerce would be the first to buy it. There is some con- 
science, however, with the honorable merchant, for he is frequently 
called upon and contributes freeh' to its support. But in those early 
days in California it was not necessary. The missions were wealthy 
and prosperous, while the people of the towns and rancheros were 
equally well to do. 

Hon. Thomas O. Larkin, a merchant from Boston, who had settled 
and gone into business at Monte: ey, was made the first and only United 
States Consul for California. He had married a lady of his own coun- 
try, the marriage ceremony being performed by J. C. Jones, United 
States Consul from Honolulu, and onboard of an American vessel flying 
the American flag. This he could not have done on shore, without 
invasion of the civil and religious jurisdictions, and incurring hostility 
and trouble. 

But a change was gradually taking place in California; the missions 
had been sequestrated by Mexico. A straggling immigration of hunt- 
ers, trappers and adventurers, coming overland, scattered themselves 
at various points, and jealousy began to creep over the minds of the 
native Californians. While thej^had two or three bloodless revolutions 
of their own, the}^ began to look with alarm at the appearance of what 
they termed "the white Indians from over the Sierras." A scheme 
was entered into and carried out in 1 840 by which they were entrapped 
singly at a time, disarmed and confined in the "Black Hole" at Mon- 
terey and transported to San Bias and thence to the City of Mexico, 
where the}' arrived in a most pitiable condition. There they received 
relief from the American, British and other Ministers, and upon re- 
monstrance, were b}- the Central Government of Mexico, sent back to 
California, but in a most impoverished and dilapidated state. 

The arrival of John A. Sutter from New Mexico via the Columbia 
river, Honolulu and Sitka, soon made a change of affairs on the north- 
ern frontiers, where he built a fort at Nueva Helvetia, near the conflu- 
ence of the Sacramento and American rivers. He became a naturalized 
Mexican citizen, and by contract received grants of large tracts of land, 
while he was to repel the Indians and establish colonies of emigrants to 
act as a barrier and protection from invasion of the Indians of Northern 
California and Oregon. The Mexican and California military authori- 
ties were becoming more jealous and greatly aroused against all further 
comers both by sea and land, and the most stringent orders were given 
to repel this gradual peaceful invasion. 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 47 

One year after the arrival of Captain John A. Sutter he was fol- 
lowed b}' an emigration from Missouri to the Columbia river, a few of 
whom came down by sea on an English vessel as far as Fort Ross. 
Among them was one man, who became identified with the histor}- of 
California, and whose name is given to one of the loftiest peaks in the 
Sierra Nevada, 

PETER LASSEN. 

He was born August 7, 1800, in Copenhagen, Denmark, where he 
learned the trade of blacksmith. In 1824 he came to Boston, Mass., 
and after several months' residence in Eastern cities, he removed to 
Katesville, Missouri, where he followed his trade. 

One year after. Captain John A. Sutter left Mis.souri for California, 
overland, via Oregon, April i, 1838. Peter Lassen, early in 1839, 
joined a company of twenty-.seven men and two women (the latter the 
wives of two missionaries), and followed Sutter to join him in Cali- 
fornia. They reached Oregon in September. 1839, where they remained 
until Spring. In May, 1840, a vessel arrived with missionaries from 
England, designing to touch at California on her return. 

Mr. William Wiggins, late of Monterey (the narrator of this expe- 
dition), and his three companions from Missouri, among whom was 
David D. Dutton, late of Vacaville, Cal., got on board. The vessel 
put in at Bodega where the Russians were. The Mexican Commandante 
sent a party of .soldiers to prevent them from landing. At this crisis, 
the Russian Governor ordered the Mexican soldiers to leave or be shot 
down. They then retired. Here our travelers were at a standstill, 
with no means of proceeding on their journey, or of finding their 
way out of, to them, an inhospitable country. They then penned the 
following communication to the American Consul, then at Monterey : 

"Port Bodega, July 25, 1S40. 
"To the American Consul of California : 

"Dear Sir — We, the undersigned, citizens of the United States, being desirous 
to land in the country, and having been refused a passport, and been opposed by 
the Government, we write to you, Sir, for advice and claim your protection. 
Being short of funds, we are not aWe to proceed farther on the ship. We have 
concluded to land under the protection of the Russians. We will remain there 
fifteen days, or until we receive an answer from you, which we hope will be as 
soon as the circumstances will permit. We have been refused a passport from 
General Vallejo. Our object is to get to the settlements, or to obtain a pass to 
return to our own country. 

"Should we receive no relief, ive will take up our arms and travel; consider 
ourselves in an enemy's country and defend ourselves with our guns. 

"We subscribe ourselves, most respectfully, 

"David Dutton, 
"John Stevens, 
"Peter Lassen, 
"Wm. Wiggins, 
"J. Wright." 



48 Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat 

After remaining fifteen days at Bodega, they were enabled to reach 
Yerba Buena (now San Francisco), from whence Peter Lassen went to 
San Jose to winter, working at his trade. In the Spring of 1 841, he 
bought some land at Santa Cruz and built a sawmill, which he ran for 
some time and then sold out for one hundred mules. In 1842, he drove 
them up near Sutter's Fort and ranched them, while he worked at his 
trade for Sutter, taking his pay in stock. • In 1843, John Bidwell, Peter 
Lassen and James Burheim pursued a party bound for Oregon as far as 
Red Bluff, and recovered some stolen animals. Bidwell mapped the 
Sacramento Valley and named the streams. 

From a map made by Bidwell, Peter Lassen applied to Governor 
Micheltorena for a grant of land, which he afterwards obtained. He 
selected his grant on Deer Creek (in which is now Tehama CountjO) 
and started to go there in December, 1844, but did not reach there 
until February, 1845, having encamped at the Butte Mountains. 

This was the first settlement north of Cordua (now Marysville \ 
Here on "Lassen's Ranch" he commenced to lay out a town which he 
called "Benton City." From this point Fremont started for Oregon in 
the spring of 1846, and Peter Lassen with Samuel Neal and some others 
guided Lieutenant Gillespie of the U. S. Navy, a few da3^s later in 
search of Fremont and overtook him on that memorable night on the 
banks of the Kalamath, which we shall briefly refer to hereafter. 

California, like a ship, was gradually drifting towards a tumultuous 
ocean on shifting tides. Capt. Sutter and other naturalized foreigners 
of the country who had received grants from the Mexican government 
allied themselves with Governor Micheltorena who, with his troops, 
had come to California and whose presence with the native Californians 
had become distasteful, found himself confronted on a bloodless battle- 
field by the natives of the countr}^, surrendered and by the terms 
granted, embarked with his Mexican troops aboard ship and returned 
to Mexico for more active and decisive service there. The naturalized 
foreigners on both sides found themselves arrayed against each other, 
and mutualh' came to the conclusion that if there was to be any blood- 
shed that they themselves would be chiefly the ones to suffer, and be 
played off against each other. The peaceful war being over they 
wisely returned to their homes to wait for the next move on the Cali- 
fornia chess-board. 

The appearance of Capt. John C. Fremont with his exploring expe- 
dition and his difficulties with General Jose Castro only served to in- 
flame the minds of the Californians and arouse the hostile feeling 
against him and his little party of explorers to the highest pitch, and 
General Castro threatened to attack him and drive him out of the 
country. His knowledge of what had transpired on the plains of 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 49 

Texas, the Massacres of Goliad and the Alamo, he probably con- 
sidered the Spanish-California character to be of the same bloodthirsty 
spirit as those of Santa Ana and his army under him and he determined 
to take no chances. He entrenched himself on Gabilan Peak, raised 
the American flag over his camp, and prepared to receive enemies. For 
this act he has been held up to ridicule by some modern writers and 
critics and so-called historians. It, however, was a wise measure of 
precaution and he would have justly been held to blame if he had been 
attacked and had made no preparation to receive it. When he got 
ready he resumed his tour, and slowly proceeded on his way to Sutter's 
Fort, the upper Sacramento Valley and Oregon and from there to return 
home. 

The American immigrants and settlers who for several years had oc- 
cupied the northern valleys of California congregated chiefly at Sutter's 
Fort and a number near Yount's in Napa Valley. Others were scat- 
tered throughout the towns and settlements along the Coast, w^here 
their countrymen had married and were comfortably settled. In the 
meantime a Roman Catholic Priest, Father Eugene MacNamara, in the 
City of Mexico, encouraged by the English Minister and capitalists, 
with a free pass to go and come on any British man-of-war, was con- 
tracting with the Mexican Government for a grant of land in California 
around the Bay of San Francisco of several hundred leagues upon 
which to establish a large colony of his countrj^men, promising to bring 
at once two thousand families, and of which Fremont in his "Memoirs" 
saj^s: 

"In his application he represented that his enterprise had in view three things: 
first, to advance Catholicism; second, to promote the interests of his countrymen; 
and third, to place an impediment in the way of the spread of an irreligious and 
a?iti-Caiholic nation^^ 

He finally- asked for all the country between the San Joaquin River 
and the Sierra Nevada and urgently desired immediate action by the 
President of Mexico. But further reference to this will be made here- 
after. 

Whether true or false, nevertheless they were believed to be true, 
that the military authorities by orders received, were going to drive all 
the Americans out of California; and many having their families, and 
knowing the cruelties practiced on the American settlers in Texas, be- 
gan to prepare for their defense. While generally speaking, the native 
Spanish-California people of pure blood, were kindly and peaceably dis- 
posed, yet the hands that had been trained for many years to the 
slaughtering of cattle by the thousands at their Matanzas simply for 
their hides and tallow, if once raised in warfare, how far could they be 
restrained when once blood began to flow when they should become 



50 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

the victors. The better class might deprecate it, and do their best to 
prevent unnecessary bloodshed; but the half-blooded mixed with the 
ferocitj' and cruelty of the Indian race could not so be held back in the 
case of victory and it would have been a massacre, as on the plains of 
Texas. 

General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo in command at Sonoma, was a 
broad-minded and progressive man: a thorough soldier, a statesman 
and a perfect gentleman, who desired the advancement of California 
among the civilized states of the world, and he would never have been 
guilty of or sanctioned any such atrocities. Of him we shall make 
mention farther on. 

While there is a .storm gathering in California, let us examine the 
condition of affairs elsewhere. 

The Democratic Party had been triumphant in the Presidential Elec- 
tion of 1844, and Texas had been annexed by a Joint Resolution of Con- 
gress, and signed as the last official act of President John Tyler, leaving 
to the incoming administration of James K. Polk of Tennessee, the new 
President, to open and examine a Pandora' s box which came with an- 
nexation. In that the Southern wing of the Democratic Party acquired 
new territory for the extension of negro slavery and additional politi- 
cal power. The Northern wing of the Democratic Party was animated 
by "Southern principles," and only waited the pretext of war with 
Mexico which was threatened, to recoup the balance of power by the ac- 
quisition of California and other territory when the time should be op- 
portune for siezing it. The premature action of Commodore Thomas 
Ap Catesby Jones in taking possession of Monterey in October, 1842 
under the administration of President John Tyler, disclosed the intent 
of the U. S. Government at that time to prevent its falling into the 
hands of England, who stood ready to receive it in payment of the fifty 
millions of dollars debt owed by Mexico to English capitalists. 

Mexico was in revolution and aflame, and became united in common 
sentiment against the United States by reason of the act of annexation 
and the disputed southern boundary of Texas, and was preparing for 
war on both accounts. It was scarcely three months from the inaugu- 
ration of President Polk when the orders referred to were sent to Com- 
modore John D. Sloat, the narration of which we resume in the next 
chapter. 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 51 



CHAPTER VI. 

The Orders from Hon. George Bancroft, Secretary of the 
Navy to Commodore John Drake Sloat, 
Commanding Pacific Squadron. 

On June 24, 1845, the despatches, in duplicate, containing the 
orders from the Hon. George Bancroft, Secretary of the Navy, were 
placed in the hands of Mr. Haswell, of the Navy, to be delivered on 
board of the vessel at Norfolk, as has already been stated. Those in 
the hands of Lieutenant Watson, U. S. Navy, were delivered to Com- 
modore Sloat at Honolulu on October 2, 1845, he having arrived at 
that port on the American .ship "Leland." [Wm. P. Toler, Aid de 
Camp to Commodore Sloat in his log of the U. S. Frigate "Savannah."] 

(copy) 

"(Secret and confidential.) 

"U. S. Navy Department, 

"Washington, June 24, 1845. 

''Commodore John D. Sloat, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces in the Pacific. 

"Sir: Your attention is still particularly directed to the present aspect of the 
relations between this country and Mexico. It is the earnest desire of the Presi- 
dent to pursue the policy of peace, and he is anxious that you and every part of 
your Squadron should be assiduously careful to avoid any act which could be 
construed as an act of aggression. 

"Should Mexico, however, be resolutely bent on hostilities, you will be mind- 
ful to protect the persons and interests of citizens of the United States near your 
station; and should you ascertain beyotid a doubt, that the Mexican Government 
has declared ivar against us, you will at once employ the force under your com- 
mand to the best advantage. The Mexican ports on the Pacific are said to be 
open and defenseless. If you ascertain with certainty that Mexico has declared 
war against the United States, you will at otice possess yourself of the port of San 
Francisco and blockade or occupy such other ports as your force may permit. 

"Yet, even if you should find yoursh.lf called upon by the cer- 
tainty OF AN express DECLARATION OF WAR AGAINST THE UNITED STATES 

TO OCCUPY San Francisco and other Mexican ports, you will be care- 
ful TO preserve, if POSSIBLE, THE MOST FRIENDLY RELATIONS WITH THE 
INHABITANTS, AND WHERE YOU CAN DO SO, YOU WILL ENCOURAGE THEM TO 
ADOPT A COURSE OF NEUTRALITY. 

"Should you fall in w.th the Squadron under Commodore Parker, you will 
signify to him the wish of the Department that, if the state of his vessels will ad- 
mit of it, be should remain off the coast of Mexico until our relations with that 
power are more definitely adjusted; and you will take directions from him as 
senior officer, communicating to him these instructions. 

''The g I eat distance of your Squadron and the difficulty of communicating with 
you, are the causes for issuiftg this order. The President hopes most earnestly 



52 lyiFE OF Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat 

tbat the peace of the two countries may not be disturbed. The object of these 
instructions is to possess you of the desire of the Government in the event of a 
declaration of war on the part 6f Mexico against the United States — an event 
tvhich you are enjoined to do everything, consistetit with the national honor on 
your part to avoid. 

"Should Commodore Parker prefer to return to the United States, he has per- 
mission from the Department to do so. In that event you will command the 
united Squadron. Very respectfully your obedient servant, 

George Bancroft." 

Never before in the history of our own country (or of any other 
that we ever heard of) where an officer of either the Army or Navy 
was placed in such a critical and delicate position where the entire 
responsibility of the war-making power of the Government was shifted 
and placed upon the shoulders of a subordinate. To take the chances 
of making war upon a people by invasion in force, and at the same 
time to cultivate friendly relationship with them; take their country, 
haul down their national flag and force another upon them; to change 
the language, customs and laws as the result of hostile, forcible occu- 
pation which were destined to follow, and obliterate their native patriot- 
ism and transfer it to the conqueror — such was the difficult task 
assigned to Commodore Sloat, in which he was to take the initiative; 
and that, too, upon the chance of uncertainty of the intelligence as to 
hostilities having been commenced fully fifteen hundred miles away 
near the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, when neither telegraphs nor 
railroads existed to convey the news even through a hostile country. 
And yet in case of failure to make war peaceably, Commodore Sloat 
was liable to censure, deprivation of command and commission. How 
faithfully he executed his orders to the ver}- letter, the following ac- 
count will show; and as our readers pursue this narrative to the end, 
compare the result with the log of the "Savannah" and the official 
report of Commodore Sloat, and see how faithfully, skilfull}' and accu- 
rately he performed this most difficult duty. 

George Bancroft, as Secretary of War, designated Commodore Sloat 
to act as a second William the Conqueror, who is said to have pro- 
claimed to the English when he invaded Great Britain, "I have come 
for your good, yes, for all of your goods.'' He reminds us of the Irish 
soldier during the Mexican War, who was given a camp-kettle to go 
and get some water. When passing in front of one of the field-pieces 
belonging to Duncan's Light Battery, he stopped and held out the 
camp-kettle, and said to the Sergeant behind the gun, " Touch her of 
aisy while I catch the ball!'' So Commodore Sloat was to follow a simi- 
lar course, that Bancroft might, through force, obtain quiet, peaceable 
possession of California, and hold it as an act of war without any con- 
flict whatever. 




JOHN C. FREMONT 
"The Pathfinder" 

(Copy from a picture loaned by his widow, Mrs. Jessie Benton Fremont.) 

Captain U. S. Army, commanding Exploring Expedition, 1845-46. 

Colonel U. S. Army, commanding Battalion in California, 1846-47. 

First U. S Senator from California in 1850-51-52. 

First Presidential Candidate of the Republican Party in 1S56. 

Major-General U. S Volunteers in the War for the Preservation of the Union in 1S61-65. 

[Extract from Commodore Sloat's Report] 

"On his arrival there (Mission of San Juan) Mr. Fauntleroy found that the place had been taken possession of 
an hour or two previous by Captain Fremont, with whom he returned to Monterey on the 19th." (July, 1S46.) 

"At the time of my leaving Monterey, the United States were in quiet possession of all 'Alta California' north 
of Santa Barbara." 

"The 'Cyane' sailed for San Diego on the 26th, to carry down Captain Fremont with about 150 riflemen (Ameri- 
cans), to take possession there, and to cut off General Castro's retreat to Lower California or Mexico."— E. A. S. 




GENERxVL MARIANO GUADALUPE VALLEJO. 
The First Mayor of Sonoma, in 1851-52-53. 

Member of the First Constitutional Convention of California, in September, 1S49. 

State Senator of the First Legislature of California, in 1S50. 

A true patriot and gentleman, and a public spirited and progressive man. His death was a great loss to the 
people of his native State of California, and his birthday vi'ill always be celebrated on the Anniversary of the Rais- 
ing of the A nierican Flag in California. A joyful coincidence. 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 53 

But we will resume the narrative. 

Commodore Sloat, remained ten days in Honolulu, taking in 
supplies and water and doing such necessary repairs and refitting as 
were required. In the meantime the British vessel of war "Frolic" 
came in and anchored in the inner harbor. 

"On October 12, 1845 tbe U. S. Frigate "Savannah" got underway; Lieutenant 
Watson took passage in tbe sbip and Commodore Sloat sailed for Mazatlan, 
Mexico, where he arrived after the very long passage of thirty-seveti days, on 
November 18, 1845 and saluted the Mexican flag which was duly returned," 

Here he was destined to wait for seven and a half long months in a 
sickly harbor with the Flagship "Savannah" while the other vessels of 
his Squadron were flitting hither and thither, w^atching the movements 
of those of the British fleet under Admiral Seymour with his Flagship 
"CoUingwood" of eighty guns, constantly coming and going between 
Mazatlan, California, and other Mexican ports. 

While at Mazatlan during his long waiting, Commodore Sloat be- 
came greatly enfeebled in health and a considerable number of the crew 
were on the sick list, unfit for duty and even the wooden stocks of the 
anchors became rotten and worm eaten b}' the teredo and had to be re- 
placed b}^ new ones. 

Lieutenant Archibald Gillespie, of the U. S. Marine Corps, who 
had left Washington about the same time that Commodore Sloat ar- 
rived at Mazatlan from Honolulu, had crossed Mexico and reached 
Mazatlan in February, 1846. He was the bearer of oral secret de- 
spatches to Captain John C. Fremont, then in command of an explor- 
ing expedition on the Pacific Coast. He had despatches also for 
Thomas O. Larkin, U. S. Consul at Monterey-. He was sent forward 
by Commodore Sloat in the Sloop-of-war "Cyane," and arriving at 
Monterey April 17, 1846, where he delivered his despatches to Consul 
Larkin and continued on his way to overtake Fremont, who had 
reached Klamath Lake, in Southern Oregon. Peter Lassen was one of his 
guides, he having entertained Fremont and his part}'^ at his rancho on 
Deer Creek, upon which he had laid out the prospective town of Ben- 
ton, then in the grass, and named for' Colonel Thomas H. Benton, U. 
S. Senator from Missouri and who was Fremont's father-in-law, who 
did not give him Jessie, but she did. 

It is proper at this point to refer to the late 

GENERAL MARIANO GUADALUPE VALLEJO. 

In the early Spanish settlement of California, to encourage the 
5^oung people to marr}- and establish homes, the Government donated 
grants of land, horses, cattle and other domestic animals, together with 
seed — corn, barley and wheat, as well as other supplies, to those who 



54 Life of Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat 

would avail themselves of the offer. Among these there was a young 
couple who had married and embraced the opportunity by locating a 
small rancho in what is now a portion of San I^uis Obispo county, and 
had resided upon it for nearly a year after their marriage. 

At this time a young Spanish officer was sent as a courier from the 
Mission of San Diego to deliver messages at the various missions as far 
north as San Jose. The missions and ranchos were far apart, and he 
was compelled to seek hospitality for himself and horse at any place 
when night overtook him. After a very long hard day's ride he ar- 
rived at the little rancho where this young couple had located nearly a 
year before. Here he met with a most hearty welcome from these 
young settlers, and was hospitably entertained. 

He, however, was awakened during the night by the young hus- 
band, who required his assistance, as there was about to be an increase 
of the census in that family. This was a new and strange business for 
. the young officer, as it was to the rest, and he had to act the part of a 
tenedor (or holder. ) A baby girl was born to the parents that night, 
and he took it, washed and dressed it while the husband attended to 
the young wife and mother. When she was ready to receive it, the 
young officer gently placed it in its mother's arms, and taking it by its 
little right hand, said, ''/ demand the hayid of this little lady in mar- 
riage P' To this the parents gave their consent, and they were thus 
betrothed that night. "This is the earliest proposal of marriage or be- 
trothal on record. 

The young officer continued his journey the next day, and until he 
reached his destination and accomplished his mission. Purchasing a 
few trinkets and gifts for his intant fiancee and her parents, he started 
on his return, stopping over a day or two with this young family, and 
then continued his journey to his station at the Mission of San Diego. 

Some fourteen years afterwards he received orders to escort one of 
the mission padres to one of the northern missions, and in doing so 
both had to stop over night at the same little rancho; but there were 
half a dozen more olive branches that had made their appearance in 
that household. Seeing the oldest girl, the j^oung officer stepped up to 
her, put his arm around her waist and kissed her, saying, "You are 
my wife, and I have brought the padre along with me to marry us. I 
assisted at your birth, and your father and mother here then betrothed 
you to me!" Pale, with strange emotions, she turned to her parents 
and asked if it was true. They assured her that it was true, and they 
were married that evening. The officer and padre resumed their 
journey the next day, leaving the young bride with her parents. After 
escorting the padre to his destination the officer returned and his young 
bride accompanied him first to San Diego and other missions in that 



Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat 55 

part of California, and thence to Monterey, where he was stationed, 
and where on July 7, 180S, a male child was born of that romantic 
marriage, and who was none other than General Mariano Guada- 
lupe Vallejo. 

[This account we had from his own lips in 1851, at Sonoma, and it 
will also be found over his own signature as Chairman of the vSenate 
Committee on Counties and County Boundaries in the California Senate 
Journal of 1850-51.— E. A. S.] 

He grew up to manhood in Monterej', and went to school to W. P. 
Hartnell and Professor Aspiroz from Mexico, and received a compara- 
tive liberal education for those times. He was first appointed an 
Ensign in the Mexican army, and was subsequently promoted re- 
spectively to Lieutenant, Captain, Colonel, and finally to General. 
When but a Cadet at sixteen years of age he was appointed Private 
Secretary to the Mexican Governor of California, and while acting in 
that capacity he drew up the articles of capitulation that acknowledged 
the surrender of the Spanish forces to the Mexican Government. Upon 
attaining his majority he was placed in command of the Presidio at 
San Francisco, which position he creditably filled for five 3'ears, and 
framed and organized the first town government of what is now the 
metropolis of California. He was then ordered to escort a band of 
colonists to a place on Mark West Creek, in what is now Sonoma 
county; but they becoming turbulent and rebellious in 1835, he adroitly 
escorted them back again. In 1836 Governor Chico, having been 
deposed and banished from the country. General Vallejo being popular 
with the people, he was appointed Governor for the time being, which 
office he accepted, but soon turned it over to Alvarado, he retaining 
the control of the military forces as Commandante General. Two 
years afterwards General Micheltoreno having arrived from Mexico to 
assume the duties of Governor of Alta California, to which he had 
been appointed by the Central Government, he appointed Vallejo 
Military Governor of all the territory north of the Santa Inez Moun- 
tains. Immediately upon receiving this appointment he. General Val- 
lejo, established his headquarters in Sonoma Valley, laid ont the town 
of Sonoma, building substantial barracks for a large garrison, with a 
high tower several stories in height overlooking the whole valley, 
besides durable buildings commodious with verandahs for the officers 
and their families. Some few pieces of artillery and small arms for 
several hundred men were at one time there kept for use, and to repel 
attacks from the northern mountain Indians, as well as for defense 
against the encroachments of the Russians on the coast at Fort Ross 
and Bodega. 

He was the Director of Colonization on the northern frontier and 



56 Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat 

Sonoma was the first town laid out north of San Francisco. He was 
an active, energetic and enterprising man. He sent to the City of 
Mexico for a printing press and type which arrived in 1838, printed 
addresses and pamphlets, himself setting the type, working the press, 
and binding them with his own hands. He sent them throughout his 
exten.sive jurisdiction. He filled Sonoma, Petaluma, Napa and other 
large valleys with horses and cattle of the best breeds, and they roamed 
over the hills in every direction by the thousands, and was creating a 
principality on the northern shores of San Francisco, San Pablo and 
Suisun Ba3's, and along the left bank of the lower Sacramento river. 
Some few Americans and foreigners had at least made Sonoma a tem- 
porary sojourning place, and all were treated kindly and hospitably by 
him, while officers of exploring expeditions, both American and Euro- 
pean, were ever welcome guests under his roof. In his intercourse 
with them he was always affable and courteous, and by his genial de- 
meanor made every one feel at home; while by intercourse and conver- 
sation and newspapers received, he kept a close pace with what was 
going on in the outside world, and being free from prejudice in a gen- 
eral sense, and patriotic to the core as a Californian, he was ardent in 
his desire that his native province should advance to the highest 
state of improvement and be abreast in the front rank of other 
countries. 

He advised Captain John A. Sutter to remain neutral when the 
revolutionists, under his nephews Alvarado and Castro, with the rest 
of the people of California, arose and forced the Mexican Governor, 
General Micheltoreno, and his troops, to leave the country. Failing 
to profit by his advice, Sutter came very near to sharing the same fate; 
but was with his men paroled and returned to his fort at Nueva Helve- 
tia, with loss of prestige and fame up to that date. Himself being an 
appointee of Governor Micheltoreno, and holding a military command 
under him, with the danger of everything at Sonoma being turned into 
chaos by any changes which might take place, his policy for safety to 
the whole northern region of California was to hold everything in 
abeyance, and in this General Vallejo acted wisely. 

In April, 1846, the Departmental Junta of California was convened 
at Monterey, and a majority of the members were disposed to throw off 
all allegiance to the Mexican Government and place the countr}^ in the 
hands of either England or France. Nothing at that time could have 
suited Mexico better, for thus she would have paid the English debt 
she owed of fifty millions of dollars. The speeches that were made by 
those favoring the movement were ardent and intense, and evidenced a 
personal, selfish interest which had been fostered and encouraged by 
British agents, including the Irish priest, Eugene McNamara, who had 



Life of Rear-Admiral Joh.v Drake Sloat 57 

been landed at Santa Barbara from the British frigate "Juno" a short 
time before. 

At this crisis, the liberal, broad-minded, sterling republican, libert}'- 
loving patriot that he was, General Vallejo, arose and delivered a most 
powerful, argumentative and eloquent speech, worthy of an American 
statesman, from which we take the following extract: 

"I cannot," said he, "coincide with the military and civil functionaries who 
have advocated the cession of our country to France and England. * * * We 
possess a noble country, in every way calculated, from position and resources, to 
become great and powerful. For that very reason, I would not have her a mere 
dependency upon a foreign monarchy, naturally alien, or at least indifferent to 
our interests and our welfare, * * * How could we endure to come under the 
dominion of a monarchy? Although others speak lightly of such a form of gov- 
ernment, as a free man I cannot do so, * * * Why should we shrink from 
incorporating ourselves with the happiest and freest nation in the world? Why 
should we go abroad for protection, when this great nation is our neighbor ? 
When we join our fortunes to hers, we shall not become subjects, but fellow- 
citizens, possessing all the rights of the people of the United States, and choos- 
ing our own local and federal rulers. California will grow strong and flourish; 
and her people will be happy and free and prosperous. L,ook not, therefore, with 
jealous eye upon the hardy pioneers who scale our mountains and cultivate our 
unoccupied plains; but rather welcome them as brothers, who come to share with 
us a common destiny." 

Such were the true sentiments which animated General Vallejo then 
so eloquently and forcibly expressed, and if opportunity had been pre- 
sented, he would have taken the field to have prevented California from 
being betrayed and sold into the hands of an European power at all 
hazards. 

While this work was going on in the Departmental Junta, Lieuten- 
ant Archibald Gillespie, with secret despatches for Consul Larkin and 
Fremont (rolled in a bunch of cigarettes while he crossed Mexico), 
arrived at Monterey in the U. S. Sloop-of-war "Cyane," having been 
sent forward by Commodore Sloat from Mazatlan, as already stated. 
At this juncture, General Vallejo quietly confirmed his opinions b}' his 
acts at this most critical moment, seeing that matters were rapidly ap- 
proaching a crisis, and we here give the following extract from a letter 
received from the Hon. William M. Boggs, dated Napa, August 5, 
1 901, which gives information which has never before appeared in 
print: 

"Major Gillespie, the officer and bearer of the verbal orders for Fremont, and 
who went north to bring Fremont back to California, spent several weeks at my 
house in Sonoma in after years, and he gave me the particulars of his journey to 
overtake Fremont, then on his way north with his exploring party. And (general 
Vallejo, who was in Monterey at the time of Major Gillespie's arrival, told me 
how he aided Major Gillespie to go on this journe}^ He said Gillespie did not 
inform him of his real object in going after Fremont; but that he had letters 



58 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

from Colonel Fremont's wife that he was anxious to deliver; and that he, General 
Vallejo, gave Gillespie a letter to Mrs. Vallejo at Sonoma, to furnish Gillespie a 
horse and saddle and one Indian guide to accompany him; and Gillespie went by 
way of Sonoma, and was provided for by Mrs. Vallejo, as the General directed; 
and Gillespie got one or two men in the Sacramento Valley, perhaps at Sutter's 
Fort, and went after Fremont and overtook him somewhere near the Klamath 
River, and they also had a fight with the Klamath River Indians, and had one 
man killed or dangerously wounded. * * * Why was Major Gillespie, bearer 
of verbal orders to Fremont, sent by the U. S. Government, the sense of which 
none knew? But Thos. O. Larkin, U. S. Consul at Monterey, was made acquainted 
with the real object of Gillespie's orders, which were secret orders for Fremont 
alone, acting under the advice of Thos. O. Larkin, U. S. Consul. He accepted 
General Vallejo's offer to furnish him with the means of reaching Fremont. 

"The General told me that he thought it very strange that the U. S. Govern- 
ment would send one of its officers all the way from Washington with a private 
letter from Mrs. Fremont; biU he kept his suspicio?ts to himself. Gillespie, on 
reaching the head of the Sacramento, was taken ill, and sent his guide forward 
with a letter to Fremont to return immediately, as he had important information 
for him from Washington. Fremont obeyed and returned and received from 
Gillespie orders to put himself and party at some convenient place where he 
could cooperate with the Naval forces as soon as they arrived on the Coast." 

It will thus be seen that General Vallejo quickl}^ saw through this 
disguise, and penetrated the object, anticipating what was to shortly 
happen by the American occupation. He remained at Monterey but 
a short time, and returned to Sonoma to await events which he ex- 
pected to occur. The movements of General Castro and his forces 
preparatory to threatened hostile action against the American settlers, 
precipitated a new state of affairs altogether unlooked for by anyone at 
that time. 

General Vallejo's sentiments were not known to the Americans, but 
few of whom either understood or spoke the Spanish language, and all 
officers under the Mexican flag they regarded as being alike. The 
orders of Santa Ana were still in force "to drive the Americans out of 
California, and to shoot every man who crossed the Sierra Nevada into 
California with arms in his hands." They knew what Governor 
Alvarado and his Government had done in 1840, in capturing Graham 
and other Americans singly and imprisoning them in the Black Hole 
at Monterey, confiscating their arms and property and sending them 
manacled in irons to San Bias, and they looked upon the whole Spanish- 
California race to be equally as treacherous as the Mexicans of the Rio 
Grande who committed the atrocities and massacres in Texas, and 
they were determined to take no chances. 

The short-lived Bear Flag Revolution, on June 14, 1846, suddenly 
sprang into existence, and the surprise and capture of General Vallejo 
and staff, and delivering them over as prisoners of war to Fremont in 
the Sacramento Valley, where they were imprisoned in Sutter's Fort, 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 59. 

while Fremont and party, with the Americans who had joined him, 
absorbed the Bear Flag Republic while he recruited his forces without 
any direct authority and awaited the naval operations to take place on 
the coast, when he could join his forces to those of Commodore Sloat 
and aid in holding possession of California, as will be seen in the fol- 
lowing pages. 

We shall again refer to General Vallejo in further chapters. 
We will now return to Commodore Sloat at Mazatlan. 
It will be proper here, to quote from the log of the flagship "Sa- 
vannah" kept by "Midshipman William P. Toler, aide-de-camp, and 
signed b)' Commodore Sloat himself, and now in possession of Mr. Toler' s 
widow at Oakland, Cal., who has kindly permitted us to copy the fol- 
lowing extracts: 

April 2, 1846. "Portsmouth" went to sea. 
April 6. "Collingwood" came ia and was saluted. 
April 16. Sent boats and officers to remove a Mexican brig that had anchored 

too near us. 
April 17 and 18. Caulking quarter-deck. 
April 19. The Governor of Mazatlan and suite visited the ships and was saluted 

with 15 guns. 

At II A. M., H. B. M. Brigantine "Spy" came in and anchored. She is of 

a new class of vessels, mounts 3 medium 22's on pivots, and said to be up- 
wards of 300 tons. 
April 22. . Exchanged some marines with the "Constitution." 
April 23. "Constitution" sailed for home. 
April 25. Observed nearh' total eclipse of the sun. 
April 30. U. S. S. "Cyaue" came in and anchored. 
May I. U. S. S. "Warren" sailed for San Bias. 
May 4. H. B, M. Ship "Juno," 26 guns> arrived from Callao. 
May 6. Commodore Sloat visited the "Juno" and was saluted with 13 guns. 
May 12. The "Juno" went to sea (for Monterey). 
May 13. H. B. M. 80-gun Ship "Collingwood" went to sea. 
May 14. U. S. S. "Warren" arrived. Received from "Warren" 7,182 lbs. of 

sugar, bought at San Bias, at ten cents per lb. 
May 19. Received from "Warren" |9,ooo in specie; and from the "Erie," 131 

shovels and 15 axes, the same that zvere brought by Commodore Jones for 

Monterey. 
May 20. The "Levant" and "Erie" went to sea bound for the Sandwich Islands. 
May 22. H. B. M. Ship "Collingwood" arrived from Pichilingues. Unmoored 

and hove in, to 45 fathoms. 
May 23. Received $35,000 in Purser's Dept. 
May 24. Hoisted an English flag on the fore, and fired a salute of 21 guns, in 

respect to the anniversary of Queen Victoria's birthday. 
May 25. Got under way and stood about two miles to Laud S.W. Came to, in 

17 fathoms. "Collingwood" went to sea. 
May 28. "Frolic" arrived. 
June I. During the day, light variable airs and clear pleasant weather. Bent 

all the stunsails, also the guarantent 'Sheet cable. Hoisted in 3d cutter. 

Ran up and secured the Quarter Boat. At 4:15, called all hands, hove up the 



^o Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

anchor. Made sail lo royals and stood W.S.W. Set stunsails at 7, took 
tbem in and braced up. At 8, extreme end of Creston Cove bore by com- 
pass N.E. by E. The center of the Tenedor Isles N. ^ VV. Punished 4 
men for different offenses. 

June 2. During the day, the ist part moderate and clear; ends with light air and 
calms. Rove new main topmast backstay falls. Unbent mainsail for 
repairs and rebent it. 

At sunset, Creston bore per compass E.N.E. and about 15 miles; tacked 
as per log. At daylight, Creston in sight. 

June 3. Wind light and weather pleasant. At sunset, land i^ sight abaft the 
beam. 

At 9 A. M., all hands having been called to witness punishment, the 

finding of the Court-martial in the case of was read, and sentenced 

him "to be hung by the neck until he was dead," — but the Commodore, in 
consideration of his youth, and being satisfied that the prisoner was not 
aware of the magnitude of his oflfense, commuted the punishment to 100 
lashes, which he received on his bare back. [Flogging was the lawful pun- 
ishment in those days in the U. S. and other Navies — E. A. S.] 

June 4. Light breezes and pleasant. At 1:30, land on lee bow. Unbent spanker 
for repairs, bent new ones. At 8 P. M., hove to with main-yard sail to the 
mast. At 8 A. M., Creston bore per compass N.N.E. % E. At 4, made sail 
to royal. At 12, standing in for the anchorage of Mazatlan. 

June 5. Wind light from westward and pleasant. Standing in. exchanged sig- 
nals with the "Warren." At 1:20, came to with starboard anchor in 17 
fathoms of water. Veered to 80 fathoms chain. Extreme bluff of Creston 
bore W. by N. with Creston N.E. % N. Received water per 3d cutter. 

Saturdaj', June 6, 1846. First part, wind light from W. and pleasant; latterly, 
cloudy with wind from S.E. Got chain ready for slipping. Received water 
per 2d cutter. 

Sunday, June 7, 1S46. Variable winds and pleasant, 

1^^ H. B. M. Briganti7ie ^'Spy^- went to sea. 

At 10 A. M., read the Articles of War. Mustered crew. Performed 
Divine service. 

Monday, June 8, 1846. Winds light and variable. Received water per 3d cutter. 
f^^ Hoisted her in. Ends with light winds from W. Clear and pleasant 
weather. 

June 16. Carpenters re-stocked the anchors. The worms at Mazatlan had made 
them rotten. 

Midshipman Toler's log was closed at sea off the coast of California, 
on June 27, 1846, by direction of Commodore Sloat who affixed his 
signature to it. and Toler was assigned to more important duties as 
will be found later on. Commodore Sloat having received reliable 
news on June 7th of the actual existence of war between Mexico and 
the United States, sailed the next day in obedience to his orders. 

The log of the Flagship "Savannah," kept by Lieutenants W. F. 
De Jongh, George Miner, J. B. Carter, R. F. Pinkney and R. S. Tra- 
pier, coincide with Toler's up to the time he entered upon other duties,' 
of writing proclamations in Spanish and English, preparatory to the 
taking pos.session of California by Commodore Sloat at Montere}-. 





View of the North and West sides of the Old Custom House at Monterey, California, with the same stall upou wluch Con 
modore John I). Sloat raised the American Flag, July yth, 1846, when he took possession of California. [The two persons at th 
corner are Capt. Thomas G. Lambert and his wife, who were the custodians of it and occupied it over twenty years.] 




View ot the East side of the Old Custom House at Monterev, where Commodcre Sloat's forces lauded and took possession 
July 7th, 1846. 



THE OIvD CUSTOM HOUSE AT MONTEREY. 

There is no historic building in the United States around which cluster memories of inci- 
dents of the past more interesting than this homely pile of whitwashed dried mud or adobe, now 
in a state of rapid decay for the want of proper care and protection. It was erected by the 
Spanish Government in the early part of the last century and served for all government purposes, 
executive, administrative, legislative, judicial and military. Upon the successful revolution for 
Mexican Independence, in 1820-3, it was turned over to the representatives of the Mexican Gov- 
ernment who at once occupied it. Beneath its tiled roof the Junta or Departmental Legislature 
met and made local laws like a Board of Supervisors. Here the Collector of Customs gathered 
in both imported goods and revenue, enforcing the provisions of a tariff amounting usually to 
not less than half their value nearly equivalent to a confiscation of the whole; hence smuggling 
was considered by the merchant as no crime, if he was not caught at it, while a greased palm, 
with yellow eye salve had a wonderful effect in reducing the revenue which the Central Govern- 
ment of Mexico expected but scarcely ever received. Here the Governors revolved in office and 
issued their orders while undisturbed or able to enforce them. Yi.&r&\.\\Q espedientes or \-A\i(\ 
grants were made and issued, both genuine and fraudulent, which took the U. S. Land Com- 
mission years afterward to decide upon, impoverishing their owners by costly and protracted 
litigation. 

The Old Custom House was also a magazine for ammunition and war material. Courts were 
held in it while it served also for military purposes. Balls and dancing parties would frequently 
occupy the Appraisers' Department, while four footed as well as two footed burros made the old 
adobe walls ring and the tiles overhead shake with the vibration of their vocal chords and set 
their ears to oscillating continuously. On the 7th of July, 1846, it came into the possession of 
the United States during the war with Mexico, when Commodore John Drake Sloat of the U. S. 
Navy landed his forces and hoisted the American Flag upon the self-same pole from which has 
floated the flags of three nations, viz.: Spanish, Mexican and American, with no danger that the 
latter will ever give way to another. Fremont, Mason and Riley occupied it in turn as Military 
Governor until California became a State. Beneath its tiled roof the family of Jonathan Wright, 
one of Fremont's men found a dwelling place for a time when their daughter Dolly was born and 
who on January 2nd, 1902, having married, had the pleasure of assisting her little son to raise 
the American Flag over her birth place, while her sister Ruth was also born at Monterey in the 
first brick house ever erected in California. 

For over twenty-five years Capt. Thomas G. Lambert, a pioneer and Master Mariner, was 
its Custodian, until it passed into other hands, and he kept it in good order at his own expense. 
He still holds court in one end of it as Justice of the Peace and ties mated couples together with 
the bands of the law binding them over to keep the peace. 

To preserve this old landmark of three nations we say ''Esto Perpetual ~ZV)V^\^ A. 
Sherman. 



Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat 6r 

We shall revert to the log kept by these officers later on, and will 
not anticipate, but return to Mazatlan to take up the narrative of events 
which guided Commodore Sloat in his movements shortly prior to his 
leaving that port, upon his all-important mission. 

He was watched by the British fleet, and the Brigantine "Spy," the 
tender of Admiral Seymour's Flagship "Collingwood" was true to her 
name and constantly on the alert. It was a naval game of chess, with 
the Pacific Ocean for a chessboard, or a sailing problem of trigonometry 
with the base extending from Mazatlan to Honolulu, with Monterey, 
California the apex of the triangle and the objective point to be reached 
by the British fleet and the American squadron. 

We will close this chapter here, and open the next. 



62 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 



CHAPTER VII. 

After Lieutenant Gillespie had been sent to Monterey on the Sloop- 
of-war "Cyane" as bearer of despatches, a constant state of watchful- 
ness was kept up by Commodore Sloat to catch the first reliable news 
of a declaration of war between the United States and Mexico. Hon. 
George Bancroft, Secretary of the U. S. Navy, and Acting Secretary of 
War, at the same time, was almost in a state of frenzy of impatience, 
sending out orders to Commodore Sloat, who never received them, and 
who was profoundly ignorant of the state of affairs at Washington; and 
he had no other guide for his actions than the instructions issued on 
June 24, 1845, promulgated nearly a year before and delivered to him 
in the harbor of Honolulu by Lieutenant Watson, bearer of despatches 
on October 2, 1845. Commodore Sloat was in no manner possible, re- 
sponsible for the non-compliance of orders which he never received and 
knew nothing of He followed the only instructions as issued June 24, 
1845, as stated. 

It was while in this state of anxious uncertainty that Fleet Surgeon 
William Maxwell Wood offered his services for a most perilous mission 
to obtain news of a definite character for Commodore Sloat. He asked 
and obtained permission from Commodore Sloat to return to the LTnited 
States through Mexico and at the same time was made a secret bearer 
of despatches, traveling in the garb of a civilian with his uniform at the 
bottom of his luggage. In his narrative of his trip (furnished us by 
his son, the Hon. C. E. S. Wood of Portland, Oregon) he says: 

"The British squadron, headed by Admiral Seymour's ship, the 'Collingwood,' 
followed our squaaron in all its movements, and the British authorities had 
arranged a system of couriers from Tampico on the Atlantic to Mazatlan on the 
Pacific, by which their squadron had the earliest and most reliable information as 
to important events. Our Government had taken no such precautions. 

"Meeting Sir Thomas Thompson, the Commander of the British frigate 
'Talbot,' in the streets of Mazatlan, on the morning following a rumor of war 
between the United States and Mexico, I mentioned the rumor to him. He 
remarked there was no truth in it, and that I might te assured that when the 
war did occur, he would receive the first intelligence of it. An afsurauce unhap- 
pily too true. 

"The circumstances which enabled me to defeat these plans, and the conse- 
quences which might have resulted from their success, were gratifying. In this 
state of intense anxiety and great uncertainty, rumors were constantly reaching 
us of the existence of war. It will be seen how difficult it was to estimate the 
value of these rumors, when, in the case of war, the information must reach us 
through an enemy's country, and through the channels of our competitors, where 
there were so many channels of groundless reports, and so many interests in 
deceiving us, and the value of trustworthy information, may be estimated ftO}>i 
the serious consequences of either hasty or delayed action. 



Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat 63 

"At this juncture, Commodore Sloat, wishing to send despatches to the Gov- 
ernment, and hoping that ni)' journey through Mexico might be made tributary 
to our interests in case of war, gave me permission to return and placed in my 
charge his despatches. * * * With these despatches, and the information con- 
fided to me, on the ist of May, 1846, I left the port of San Plas, in company with 
Mr. Parrott, U. S. Consul at Mazatlan, who was return-ng to the United States in 
greatly impaired health. 

"We had penetrated five days' journey on horseback into Mexico, when, at 
the City of Guadalajara, we accidentally heard a company of Mexican officers 
reading an account of the capture of Thornton's Dragoons by Mexican troops on 
the Rio Grande, and procured a Mexican newspaper with the account of the 
affair." 

[We here interrupt this narrative to remark that nearly the whole of 
the Northern Arm}' of Mexico had crossed the Rio Grande to make a re- 
connoisance in force, and had captured Captain Thornton and his 
squadron of two companies of dragoons on the 24th of April, 1846, the 
news of which at that time on ^Mexican soil, was eUve7i days in Teaching 
Guadaloj ira oti. May 5, 1846. This without a formal declaration of 
war. — E. A. S.] 

" * * * I therefore wrote Commodore Sloat a letter, assuring him of the 
occurrence of hostilities, and sending him a translation of the account contained 
in the Mexican paper. Mr. Parrolt, from his long-established commercial rela- 
tions with Guadalajara, found an opportunity of expressing my letter to the 
Commodore. 

"Immediately upon my arrival at the City of Mexico, I was startled and 
shocked by hearing the newsboys crying through the streets, 'Grand victory over 
the North Americans!' but from extraordinary circumstances, not necessary nor 
proper to be narrated, I received the same night, in my own room at the hotel, 
from a trusted friend of Tornel, the Minister of War, an exact account of the 
dismay in the Mexican Cabinet, and learned of the overwhelming victories of 
mv life-long frieud, General Taylor, and that the choice regiment of the City of 
Mixico had been annihilated. Tnese discussions of the Mexican Cabinet I 
received every night during my week's stay in the City. All this information I 
as;ain sent to the Conimanding Officer' of tJie Pacific Squadron, signing my name 
by an easily understood hieroglyphic^ and sending it tliroiigh the Mexican mail, 
under cover to the subject of a neutral powers [Note. — This was not through 
Parrott, the U. S. Consul.— E. A. S ] 

We will here also note that the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de 
la Palma were fought on the 8th and 9th of Maj',- 1846, respectively, 
wdthout a formal declaration of war by either nation, and the ports of 
Mexico on the Gulf of Mexico and on the Pacific luere not blockaded. 
There were no telegraph lines to communicate information in Mexico 
from the northern frontier of that country or from the Pacific. It must 
have taken at least a week of hard riding on horseback or diligence 
from Guadalajara to the City of Mexico for Surgeon Wood to have 
reached there, and an equal length of time for the news of those battles 
on the Rio Grande to have reached the Capital. Conseqttently, it must 



64 Life of Rear-Admirl John Drake Sloat 

at least have been between the i6th and 20th of May, 1846, when he 
arrived at the City of Mexico, and at the same time the news of the 
battles of the 8th and 9th of May, 1846, also reached there. [Having 
crossed that country on horseback from Tampico to ^an Luis Patosi, 
to Guadalajara, thence to Tepic and Mazatlan in 1849, we write from 
personal knowledge of that country at that time and the means of con- 
veying intelligence. — E. A. S.] 

Surgeon Wood remained in the City of Mexico not less than a week, 
and gathered full information, which he sent to Commodoie Sloat via 
Guadalajara, who received it on the 7th of June following, and which 
must have been ten or twelve days on the route from the time it left 
the City of Mexico. Surgeon Wood, continuing in plain dress, and 
passing for an Englishman at the City of Mexico, inspected and made 
a report on the Castle of Chapultepec, and while making his observa- 
tions had some brusque words with a German who was an artillery 
officer in the Mexican army, who was completely bluffed by Surgeon 
Wood's manner, who acted the part of a John Bull completely, and 
was successful in his object. Continuing still in disguise, after a week 
or ten days stay in the City of Mexico, he proceeded on his journey to 
Vera Cruz, running great risk of capture and assassination; but through 
the courtesy of the commander of a neutral man-of-war, was put on 
board the flagship of the American Commodore commanding the block- 
ading squadron of the Gulf, where his information was deemed of such 
great importance as to warrant the detaching of one of the minor ves- 
sels of the blockading squadron to carry him to Washington as speedily 
as possible. 

During his whole journey in Mexico he was carefully taking notes 
of its condition and resources, and bore upon his person not only what 
he had written, but also despatches from Commodore Sloat to the Sec- 
retary of the Navy, and a letter, concluding in effect, "Dr. Wood is 
also the bearer of more important and confidential communications 
which I have not thought wise to commit to paper." This letter is 
still in the Navy archives at Washington. 

If there was ever a braver, more daring, more skillful, patriotic 
scout, voluntarily risking his life to die by the rope and hanged as a 
spy if captured than Surgeon William Maxwell Wood, history has not 
recorded it. We shall recur to him again later on. 

The United States Government had not declared war, and it was 
not until the news of the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, 
fought on the 8th and 9th of May, 1846, had been received at Wash- 
ington that President Polk sent a special message to Congress announc- 
ing that "a state of war existed between Mexico and the United States, 
and that two battles had been fought." Congress being in session on 



Life of Rear-Ad:\iiral John Drake Sloat 65 

May 13, 1846, reiterated the same in a formal declaration of war. It 
should have done so two weeks earlier, upon the receipt of the news of 
the capture of Captain Thornton and his squadron of .dragoons by the 
Mexican army; but it delayed action, apparently waiting for bigger 
game, and more completely to rally the people to the support of the 
Government and the Administration. 

The uncertainty of newspaper reports in Mexico, which were con- 
trolled by the Mexican Government, and rumors only, which Commo- 
dore Sloat had received from time to time, prior to the first news re- 
ceived by him from Dr. Wood at Guadalajara, and properly writing for 
more reliable information, at the same time watching the British Ad- 
miral's movements, as being the best indication that a state of war ex- 
isted if the " Collingwood " sailed. 

The British Admiral was pursuing the same line of action in regard 
to reliable news of the declaration of war, and of organized hostilities 
having actually commenced between the two countries, and possessing 
through British sources already mentioned by Dr. Wood, the best 
means of learning the actual truth. 

We here give the following copies of the correspondence of Commo- 
more John Drake Sloat, Dr. William Maxwell Wood, and Lieutenant 
George Minor, as kindly furnished us by Hon. C. E. S. Wood, of Port- 
land, Oregon, the son of the late Surgeon- General William Maxwell 
Wood, of the U. S. Navy. 

(COPY) 

Washington, D. C, , 1871. 

To .• 

The following letters— one from Commodore Sloat, the Commanding Officer 
of the Pacific Squadron, at the commencement of the war with Mexico, the 
other from Lieutenant Minor, of the flagship — testify to my agency in facilitating 
the prompt acquisition of California. This kind of testimony could be greatly 
multiplied, but as it would only add to the bulk of this document without giving 
any greater certainty to the facts, which speak for themselves, I append no more 
than these two letters, from the only officers known to me to be accessible at the 
time: 

LETTER OF COMMODORE SLOAT. 

"New York, 20th March, 1855. 

"My DE.A.R Sir: I received your favor of the 14th inst. this morning. I am 
most happy to acknowledge the very important services you rendered the Gov- 
ernment and the Squadron in the Pacific under my command at the breaking out 
of the war with Mexico. The information you furnished me at Mazatlan from 
the City of Mexico, via Guadalajara (at the risk of your life), was the only relia- 
ble information I received of that event, and which induced me to proceed imme- 
diately to California, and upon my own responsibility to take possession of that 
country, which I did on the 7th of July, 1846. 

"I have always considered the performance of your journey through Mexico,, 
at that time, as an extraordinary feat, requiring great courage, presence of mind. 



66 Life; of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat 

and address. How you escaped from the heart of an enemy's country, and such 
a people, has always been a wonder to me, and has been so characterized by me 

upon all occasions. 

"Very truly your friend, 

"Signed: John D. Sloat, 
"Dr Wm. Maxwell Wood, U. S. Navy." 

LETTER OF LIEUTENANT MINOR. 

"Washington, May 3d, 1855. 

"Dear Doctor: I have a very distinct recollection of the events alluded to 
in your note. I should be oblivious, indeed, if I should have forgotten them, for 
upon the information received from you, in your perilous journey through Mex- 
ico, important events took place — events which resulted in the conquest and 
occupation of Upper California. 

"I remember that most of our Pacific Squadron had been lying in the Port of 
Mazatlan, from November, 1845, until May, 1846, when you took your departure 
as 'bearer of despatches' from Commodore Sloat to our Government. For a long 
time we had received no news from home, and although we inferred from Mexi- 
can papers, as well as from conversation with British Officers, that our relations 
with Mexico were in an unsettled state, but few of us thought at the time of your 
departure that hostilities were to be apprehended. Our naval force then at 
Mazatlan consisted of the flagship, the 'Savannah' frigate, the sloops 'Cyane,' 
'Levant' and 'Warren,' the schooner 'Shark,' and store ship 'Erie.' The Squadron 
was in fine order, and in a high state of discipline. 

"The first information received from you was from the large city of Guadalajara. 
It was of a nature to impress us with the belief that war was inevitable, if it did 
not already actually exist. Of course, your despatch created an excitement in 
the Squadron proportioned to its importance. All hands were zealous and act- 
ively employed in getting ready for sea, that a whole or a portion of the Squadron 
might depart at a moment's notice. The 'Cyane' and 'Levant' went to sea, and 
although at the time we were ignorant of their destination, we subsequently 
found them at Monterey, in Upper California. 

"The next news that we received from you was from the City of Mexico, and 
it was all-important. It was the first tidings ive had received of actual ivarfare 
existing betzveen the tivo countnes. You iuforined us of the battles of Palo Alto 
and Resaca de la Falina, and of General Taylor's operations on the Rio Grande. 

^'Of course, this information, coming as it did from an official source, deter - 
tnined our movements. It ivas the first upon which we acted, and which resulted 
in the occupation of California. 

''The result proves that it was most fortuate that you were sent at that junc- 
ture through Mexico, but you traveled at no small risk. You were in the heart 
of an enemy's country and capital, with despatches upon your person. If you 
were to be arrested, as you were liable to be at any moment, and your mission 
found out, there is every reason to believe that you would have been severely 
treated. 

"Your escape was one of those fortunate events that are remarkable, because 
of their rare occurrence. 1 hope you may never have to go through such another 
ordeal; and I hope you may receive from your country the merit and reward for 

that. 

"I am yours, very truly, 

"(Signed): George Minor, Lieutenant. 
"Dr. W. Maxwell Wood, U. S. Navy." 



Life of Rear-Admirai, John Drake Sloat 67 

STATEMENT OF DR. WILUAM MAXWELL WOOD. 

"The following is a narrative of the circumstances which enabled me to render 
the services testified to in the foregoing letters : 

"Having held the position of Fleet Surgeon in the Pacific Squadron, I was 
doing duty in that Squadron in the spring of 1846, at which time there were 
threatenings of hostilities between the United States and Great Britain. To un- 
derstand properly my subsequent position and action, it will be necessary to pre- 
mise certain circumstances, the relevancy and importance of which will after- 
wards be apparent. 

"We were cruising on the coast of one of the nations with which we might at 
any moment be at war, and we were watched and surrounded by the powerful 
squadron of the other. Hence, the threatenings of disturbance were naturally 
the subject of much and anxious conversation among us. I was of those who 
did not believe in the probabilities of actual war, but had faith in the adjustments 
of diplomacy, and my opinions were known to the commanding officer of our 
naval forces. 

"It must be borne in mind that, at that time, there were none of the present 
facilities of communication between the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of Mexico. 
There were no steamers running to the north of Panama; and the western coast 
of Mexico and the coast of California were lonely wastes. 

"It will also be remembered, that Com. Ap Catesby Jones had, upon what he 
thought sufficient grounds, previously invaded and occupied California, but the 
action having been premature, had involved that officer and the country in diffi- 
culty. Such a result was well calculated to make any subsequent Commander 
cautious as to his movements, and at a time when an hour's delay might change 
the fortunes of a world. Various reports were current as to the intentions of the 
British Government in the event of war between the United States and Mexico. 
One was, that California was to be transferred to the British Government under 
a mortgage, to secure the British creditors of Mexico. 

"The British Squadron, headed by Admiral Seymour's ship, the 'Colling- 
wood,' followed our Squadron in all its movements, and the British authorities 
had arranged a system of couriers from Tampico, on the Atlantic, to Mazatlan, 
on the Pacific, by which their Squadron had the earliest and most reliable in- 
formation as to important events. Our Government had taken no such precau- 
tions. Meeting Sir Thomas Thompson, the Commander of the British frigate 
'Talbot,' in the streets of Mazatlan, on the morning following a rumor of war 
between the United Stales and Mexico, I mentioned the rumor to him. He re- 
marked there was no truth in it, and that I might be assured that when the war 
did occur, he would receive the first intelligence of it. An assurance unhappily 
too true. 

'•The circumstances which enabled me to defeat these well-laid plans, and the 
consequences which might have resulted from their success, were gratifying. In 
this state of intense anxiety and great uncertainty, rumors were constantly 
reaching us of the existence of war. It will be seen how difficult it was to esti- 
mate the value of these rumors, when, in the case of war, the information must 
reach us through an enemy's country, and through the channels of our competi- 
tors, where there were so many sources of groundless reports, and so many inter- 
ests in deceiving us, and the value of trustworthy information may be estimated 
from the serious consequences of either hasty or delayed action. 

"At this juncture. Commodore Sloat, wishing to send despatches to the Gov- 
ernment, and hoping that my journey through Mexico might be made tributary 



68 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

to our interests in case of war, gave me permission to return, and placed in my 
charge his despatches, from which the following is an extract: 

Extract of a Despatch from Commodore J. D. Sloat, Commanding U. 
S. Pacific Squadron, Addressed to the Hon. George Bancroft, 
Secretary of the Navy, and Dated 
" 'No. 47. Flagship 'Savannah,' 

" 'MazaTlan, April 30, 1846. 

" 'Sir: I forward this by Dr. Wm. M. Wood, to whom I have given permis- 
sion to return to the United States, at his own request. He came out as Fleet 
Surgeon of this Squadron, and some time since was superseded by Dr. Chase. 
Dr. Wood is a gentleman of observation and intelligence, speaks and reads the 
Spanish language, and will, in passing across the country, undoubtedly acquire 
very valuable information for the Government; and I refer the Department to 
him for information I have communicated to him verbally, zuhich I did not think 
safe to trust in my letters across this country. 

" 'I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obt. servant, 

"'(Signed): John D. SloaT.' 

"With these despatches and the information confided to me, on the first of 
May, 1846, I left the port of San Bias, in company with Mr. Parrott, U. S. Consul 
at Mazatlan, who was returning to the United States in greatly impaired health. 

"We had penetrated five days' journey on horseback into Mexico, when, at 
the city of Guadalajara, we accidentally heard a company of Mexican officers, in 
an adjoining room, reading an account of the capture of Thornton's Dragoons by 
Mexican troops, on the Rio Grande, and procured a Mexican newspaper with the 
account of the affair. This startling intelligence placed me in a new and respon- 
sible position. Belonging to a military service of a nation with which Mexico 
was now at war, and bearing despatches and information to their enemies, my 
discovery in the heart of their country would have justly involved the forfeit of 
my life. The extract above given from the despatches of Commodore Sloat, 
would have been more than a sufficient condemnation. 

"Such a risk could only be avoided by surrendering myself to the authorities 
of the Department in which I then was; but this involved the suppression of the 
despatches and information in my charge, and which were of importance to my 
Government, and could not, therefore, be thought of. Taking into consideration 
all the circumstances enumerated at the opening of this narrative, my mind was 
impressed with the great importance of conveying to the Commander of our 
naval forces in the Pacific the earliest and most reliable intelligence of the exist- 
ing hostilities. From the doubts I had always expressed of the probabilities of 
war, my assurance As to its existence would be the more conclusive to the mind 
of the Commander-in-Chief. 

"My resolve was to pursue my journey at all hazards to myself; to send the 
necessary intelligence to the Pacific, and to make my position as useful as possi- 
ble to my country, in the progress of the war. I, therefore, wrote Commodore 
Sloat a letter, assuring him of the occurrence of hostilities, and sending him a 
translation of the account contained in the Mexican paper. Mr. Parrott, from 
his long-established commercial relations with Guadalajara, found an opportunity 
of expressing my letter to the Commodore. 

"Immediately upon my arrival in the City of Mexico, I was startled and 
shocked by hearing the newsboys crying through the streets, 'Grand victory over 
the North Americans!' but from extraordinary circumstances, not necessary nor 



lyiFE OF Rear-Admirai. John Drake Sloat 69 

proper to be narrated, I received the same night, in my own room at the hotel, 
from a trusted friend of Tornel, the Minister of War, an exact account of the 
dismay in the Mexican Cabinet, and learned of the overwhelming victories of 
my life-long friend, General Taylor, in the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la 
Palma, and that the choice regiment of the City of Mexico had been annihilated. 
These discussions of the Mexican Cabinet I received every night during my 
week's stay in the City. All this information I again sent to the Commanding 
Officer of the Pacific Squadron, signing my letter by an easily-understood hiero- 
glyphic, and sending it through the Mexican mail under cover to the subject of 
a neutral power. During my stay in the City of Mexico, I explored the castle of 
Chapultepec; and here, through the persistent questionings of a German officer 
in the Mexican service, found it very difficult to evade discovery, but fortunately, 
without any violation of veracity, did so. 

"Believing that the chances of arrest or of assassination were very great be- 
tween the Cities of Mexico and Vera Cruz, and wishing to adopt some means of 
conveying at least a portion of the information in my possession to the Govern- 
ment, I wrote, in the City of Mexico, a report to the Secretary of the Navy, in 
which I informed him of my position and the efforts I was making to place my- 
self at the disposition of the Department, and communicating such results of my 
observation as I thought ought to be in possession of the Government. This 
report I enclosed to a friendly German house in Vera Cruz, with instructions to 
forward by any available means, to a private citizen in the United States, for the 
Navy Department, in case it was not called for within a certain number of days. 

"Having had the good fortune to reach Vera Cruz in safety, I resumed pos- 
session of my report, and by the courtesy of a naval Commander of a neutral 
power, I was conveyed in one of his boats to the flagship of our blockading 
Squadron, and sent immediately by the Commodore to the United States. 

"The service here stated was rendered from that natural sense of duty and 
devotion to the interests of one's country which is common to all; and, therefore, 
it did not occur to me to make at the time any claim for even complimentary 
acknowledgment. But as is well known, and as is stated in the letter of the 
Chairman of the Senate Naval Committee, every known act of service in the 
Mexican War was so liberally and honorably recognized, that an entire omission, 
of services rendered in so important a connection as the acquisition of California 
implies neglect or discredit. 

"My course in the emergency was taken voluntarily, upon my own judgment 
and responsibility, and had not an opportunity for that official recognition which 
would have followed from its compelled performance under special orders. That 
by my own volition it placed my life at hazard, and that it secured to the Repub- 
lic the imperial State of California, are evident facts, the value of which it is for 
others to determine. 

"After the lapse of some years, it was the judgment of my friends and my- 
self, that it was due not only to myself, but to the authorities of the Country, to 
make the facts known to them. They were, therefore, communicated to Mr. 
Mallory, then Chairman of the Senate Naval Committee, and from him I received 
promptly a letter, from which the following is an extract: 

Extract from Letter from Hon. S. R. Mallory, Chairman of the 

Committee of Naval Affairs, United States Senate, 

Dated August 29, 1855. 

" 'Every intelligent mind must at once appreciate the importance of the ser- 
vice which you have rendered the country and your personal hazard in traveling 



70 Life of Rkar-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

through the heart of the enemy's country, communicating with your military 
superior, and furnishing him with the sole and otherwise unattainable informa- 
tion upon which he based the acquisition of California. 

"'The importance of this acquisition can best be estimated by asking our- 
selves what would have been our national position in the Pacific, and upon our 
Oregon frontier, had Great Britain instead of ourselves acquired permanent pos- 
session of it? I have always contended that its acquisition constitutes one of the 
Navy's strongest claims upon the gratitude and fostering hand of the nation, and 
this chapter in its history, furnished by your own service, but strengthens this 
conviction. But how are you to be rewarded for it? That is the question. 
Swords and brevets were scattered without number upon many who rendered far 
less service. I cannot, at this moment, make any distinct suggestion to you as 
to your mode of proceeding, to obtain that to which I deem you honorably enti- 
tled by a national recognition by some substantial token of your valuable ser- 
vices; but I can promise you my aid, whatever it may be worth, in the attainment 
of such recognition.' 

"Notwithstanding the earnestness of the letter, the subject was never brought 
to the attention of Congress, and nothing more was done in the matter. Con- 
stant official occupation since, greatly absorbing events, absence on foreign sta- 
tions, service in the Chinese war, and that of the Rebellion, have left me neither 
the desire nor the opportunity to renew the statement until now. Should those 
with whom the judgment rests think the service rendered worthy of any recogni- 
tion, there now occurs an opportunity of making it of great practical advantage 
to me, and of no cost to the country; hence, I lay the facts before you. 

"Very respectfully, 

"William Maxwell Wood, 

"Surgeon-General U. S. Navy." 

Mexico had no navy at that time, and California was safe to us, 
excepting from the British squadron under Admiral Seymour. The 
sloops of war "Portsmouth," " Cyane " and the " lyevant," of Com- 
modore Sloat's squadron, were already in California waters, or at 
anchor in the ports of San Francisco and Monterey, carefully guarding 
the coveted prize. 

The manifestation of the hostile sentiments of the Mexican people, 
and with the information that he had already received, as Midshipman 
Toler informed us, he had about determined to proceed ; and on the 7th 
of June, 1846, he took his gig and went on shore at Mazatlan to learn 
the very latest news. lyCaving his boat's crew in charge of his aide-de- 
camp, William P. Toler, our informant, he paid a last visit to the 
American Consulate, learned by the last letter received from Dr. Wood 
of the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma. and that Vera Cruz 
and other ports on the Gulf of Mexico were blockaded. This was the 
absolute information beyond a doubt; in accordance with his instruc- 
tions that he had long been waiting for, in order to be certain that he 
was right, and not too hasty, like his predecessor. Commodore Jones, 
in his action. 

Says Toler, his aide-de-camp: "Commodore Sloat rettirned to his 



Life of Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat 71 

boat and gave orders to 'shove off,' while a grim smile overspread his 
countenance, and he indicated to him that the hour had come for 
action. On reaching the deck of the 'Savannah' he retired to his 
cabin, but soon the entire ship's crew were humming like a hive of 
bees. It was quickly observed that the British tender, the brigantine 
'Sp}-,' was heaving up anchor, shaking out her .sails and getting under 
way sailed across the bow of the 'Savannah,' and spreading all her 
sails, was steering south to convey information to the British Admiral 
Seymour, who was with the British line of battleship 'Collingwood,' 
at San Bias, nearly one hundred miles further south and nearer to di- 
rect communication with the City of Mexico and where he could obtain 
three days later news. 

"After taking on more water, on June 8, 1846, Commodore Sloat, 
leaving the sloop of war 'Warren' behind at Mazatlan to bring him 
later news and despatches, gave the final orders, and the frigate 'Sa- 
vannah,' the greyhound and fastest sailing vessel of war then in the 
world, was soon under a cloud of canvas and sailing at full speed for 
Monterey, where she arrived on the 2d of July, 1846, in ju.st twenty- 
four days, where she found the 'Cyane' and the 'Levant' sloops of 
war at anchor in the harbor awaiting his arrival." 

We now quote from the log of the "Savannah," as kept by Lieu- 
tenants J. B Carter and R. S. Trapier, and give also the statements of 
Midshipman William P. Toler, Commodore Sloat's aide-de-camp, trans- 
lator and interpreter, which we took down from his own lips: 

LOG OF THE S.WANNAH. 

July 2, 1846, commences with moderate breezes and pleasant. Standing in for 
the anchorage of the town of Monterey, made and reduced sails as necessary. 

R. S. Trapier. 

From 4 to 6 moderate breezes and pleasant. Standing in the bay of Mon- 
terey. At 4 p. M. let go starboard anchor in nine fathoms of water with sixty 
fathoms of cable. Point Finos bearing per compass, N. W. by N. Custom 
House S. S, W. Church S. by E. J- B. Carter. 

From 8 to meridian, light breezes from Sd. and Wd. and pleasant. Made sig- 
nal to the 'Levant," 894; hoisted out the ist, 2d and 3d cutters. The Consul 
visited the ship. 

We will just here suspend the reading of the log and examine the 
situation. First observing, however, that Commodore Sloat anchored 
the "Savannah" where he had full view of Point Pinos and the whole 
of Monterey Bay to the open sea, as well as covering the fort on the 
hill above the Custom House to the northwest, and the town of Mon- 
terey itself, as well as all the approaches from the seaward. He thus 
guarded the prize, which lay there before him, and no enemy from any 
direction could take it from him. 

He had received no later orders from the United States Government 



72 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

whatever, and he was governed by those of June 24, 1845 (which were 
now over a year old), for his guidance. He found upon his arrival a 
different state of affairs from what he expected, and instead of every- 
thing being peaceful, as set forth in his orders, the whole of Northern 
California was in ferment, revolutionary and belligerent. American 
immigrants for self-protection had banded together, proclaimed the 
California Republic, hoisted the Bear Flag at Sonoma, captured Gen- 
eral M. G. Vallejo, Captain Salvador Vallejo, his brother, Ivieutenant- 
Colonel Victor Prudhomme, a Frenchman of the Mexican Army, and 
Jacob P. lycese, an American, but the brother-in-law of General Val- 
lejo, and delivered them over to Captain John C. Fremont, of the 
United States Armj^ in command of a scientific exploring expedition, 
who continued to hold General Vallejo and his companions as prisoners 
at Sutter's Fort, and uniting with the Bear Flag revolters and other 
Americans who had joined him, was prepared to make war on his own 
account. This was done in expectancy of a war between the United 
States and Mexico, from the information which he had received from 
Lieutenant Gillespie, who had been sent to California by Commodore 
Sloat several months before, as heretofore mentioned. 

Evidently it was intended to raise the question, "Who captured 
California?" The Bear Flag party began it. Fremont intended to 
claim it as an officer of the United States Army by being the first in 
the field, and where the first fighting, if an}', was to be done. 

The horrible murder of Cowie and Fowler, near where Santa Rosa 
now stands, had still further inflamed the Americans in Northern Cali- 
fornia. The men under Juan Padilla had captured these men, tied 
them to trees, shot and mutilated them, and while yet alive had thrust 
their knives through the lower jaws of their prisoners, passed their 
riatas through the holes made, and mounting their horses took turns 
with them around the horns of their saddles, and spurring their horses, 
literally tore the jaws away from their dying victims. Their bodies 
were buried by Moses Carson. This example of cruelty, of what they 
might expect, compelled the American immigrants to rally for mutual 
protection and support, and Fremont was hailed as a representative of 
the American Government and leader in advance; and he had no diffi- 
culty in obtaining recruits, who flocked to his camp and were read}' to 
promptly obey his commands whatever they might be. It was the 
cruelty of Padilla' s men, in the Santa Rosa Valley, which was of like 
character with that of the atrocities committed in Texas, that made 
Fremont harsh and severe in keeping General Vallejo and his com- 
panions in prison so long at Sutter's Fort, when he should have re- 
leased him at once on parole, for he was a true gentleman and a soldier 



Life of Rear-Admirai. John Drake Sloat 73 

of honor, as well as being friendly disposed to the American Govern- 
ment. 

But California was now in arms. The proclamations prepared at 
sea a few da^^s before by Midshipman Toler, had to be destroyed and 
new ones made out in English and Spanish in duplicate for Mon- 
terey, San Jose, San Francisco and other places. In this, Consul 
Thomas O. Larkin gave his assistance. 

The Mexican General, Jose Castro, had a small force but numbers 
unknown in the vicinit}- of Monterey to co-operate with the British 
fleet if necessar}^ There were some heavy guns as well as cuhbrinas 
or little rattlesnakes, as they were termed in the Castilla or fort upon 
the hill, and the redoubt which was located w^here the granite statue of 
Junipero Serra, the Pioneer Franciscan Missionary, now stands. A 
good many years before, the fire from these forts destroj-ed and sank 
two Spanish insurgent men-of-war which came to attack and raid the 
town of Monterey-. These forts might still be used against Commodore 
Sloat' s Squadron by a brave and determined enemy, if sufficient in 
numbers and supplied with equipment and ammunition. This he was 
aware of and was prepared for it as he knew what had been done in 
18 18, when the guns from the fort sank two vessels of war manned by 
Spanish insurgents from South America. 

The few Americans on shore were impatient in their critical position. 
It was desired by them to have the place taken and the American flag 
hoisted on July 4th, the National Independence Day. The condition 
of the country having changed, when military operations on land and 
sea with a plan of campaign marked out, to secure and occupy the 
prominent places in California, peaceably if possible, or by the conflict 
of arms if necessar}^ The matter of the "Raising of the Flag," though 
of the greatest national importance in itself, when done, required that 
almost simultaneous action should be done elsewhere in California as 
well, with all the dignity, pomp and circumstance appropriate to such 
an undertaking. With one eye on the sea to watch for the arrival of 
the British fleet and the other on the land, he prepared his plans like a 
skilful general and acted with cool discretion and deliberation accord- 
ingly, and in strict conformity with his orders. 

There was no hesitation or wavering about performing his dut}^ 
whatever. He had no knowledge of a formal declaration of war be- 
tween the United States and Mexico, which was made nineteen days 
after the capture of Captain Thornton and his dragoons, and four days 
after the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma. All the infor- 
mation had, was received through Mexican sources from Surgeon Wm. 
Maxwell Wood, at the City of Mexico, via Guadalajara, and that the 
ports in the Gulf of Mexico were blockaded by an American Squadron. 



74 Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat 

His own act was to be an independent one of itself in making war 
in the name of the Government of the United States with the remote 
possibility of it being disavowed and apologized for, as it had been in 
the case of his predecessor, Commodore Jones, on October 19, 1842, 
and whose aide-de-camp, Wm. P. Toler, was his, also, at this time. 

The proclamations were now ready and full preparations had been 
made for the great act in the drama to be performed. He was ardently 
anxious to do his whole duty and that nothing should be left undone, 
and on the night of the 6th of July, 1846, Commodore Sloat sent by 
a trusty courier the following despatch to Captain John B. Montgom- 
ery, commanding the Sloop-of-war "Portsmouth," at San Francisco, 
and a copy sent by a boat at the same time: 

"I have determined to hoist the flag of the United States at this place to-mor- 
row, as I -would prefer being sacrificed for doing too much than too little. If you 
consider you have sufficient force, or if Fremont will join you, you will hoist the 
flag at Yerba Buena, or at any other proper place, and take possession of the fort 
and that portion of the country." 

There was no hesitation or wavering in that despatch. But let us 
now take up the log of the "Savannah" again. That tells the .straight 
story. 

LOG OF THE "SAVANNAH" (Continued). 
Monterey, July 6, 1846. From 8 to meridian, a moderate breeze from the Wd. and 
pleasant. At 9, inspected the crew at quarters. Hoisted out the launch 
and stuck an 18 lb. carronade into her. R. S. Trapier. 

Monterey, July 7, 1846. From 4 to 8 a. m., light airs from the Nd. and Wd. and 
pleasant. Made signal 894 to the "Cyane." At 7:30 a. m., Captain Mer- 
vine left the ship to demand of the military commandant the surrender of 
the Town of Monterey, forthwith, with the forts, military posts and sta- 
tions under his command, together with all troops, arms, munitions of 
war, and public property of every description under his control and juris- 
diction in California. R. S. Trapier. 
From 8 to meridian, light breezes from the Sd. and Wd. and pleasant. 
At 9:10, called all hands to muster and read the following general order: 

General Order. 

Flagship Savannah, 7th July, 1846. 

We are about to laud on the territory of Mexico, with whom the United States 
is at war; to strike their flag and hoist our own, in the place of it, is our duty. 
It is not only our duty to take California, but to preserve it afterwards, as a part 
of the United States, at all hazards. To accomplish this, it is of the first impor- 
tance to cultivate the good opinion of the inhabitants whom we must reconcile. 
I scarcely consider it necessary for me to caution American seamen and marines 
against the detestable crime of plundering and maltreating unoffending inhabi- 
tants. That no one may misunderstand his duty, the following regulations must 
be strictly adhered to, as no violation can hope to escape the severest punish- 
ment: 

ist. On landing, no man is to leave the shore, until the commanding officer 
gives the order to march. 



Life of Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat 75 

2d. No gun is to be fired, or other act of hostility comniitted, without express 
orders from the officer commanding the party. 

3d. The officers and boat-keepers will keep their respective boats as close to 
the shore as they will safely float, taking care that they do not lay aground, and 
remain in them prepared to defend themselves against attack, and attentively 
watch for signals from the ship as well as from the party on shore. 

4th. No man is to quit the ranks, or to enter any house for any pretense 
whatever, without express orders from an officer. Let every man avoid insult or 
offense to any unoffending inhabitants, and especially avoid the eternal disgrace, 
which would be attached to our names and our country name, by indignity 
offered to a single female, even let her standing be however low it may. 

^th. Plunder of every kind is strictly forbidden, for the plundering of the 
smallest article from a prize forfeits all claim to prize money, and the offender 
must expect to be severely punished, 

6tk. Finally, let me entreat you, one and all, not to tarnish our brightest 
hopes of success, by an)' act that we shall be ashamed to acknowledge before 
God and our Country. 

(Signed): John D. Sloat, 
Commander-in Chief of the U. S. Naval Force in the Pacific Ocean. 

At 9:30, Captain Mervine returned from shore with the reply from the 
military commandant (Mariano Silva) that he was not authorized to deliver 
up the place, having no orders to that effect; but said the Commodore may 
arrange with the Commanding General, to whom the communication will 
be sent, which was delivered to me for him, the undersigned retiring and 
leaving the town pacific and without a soldier. That there existed neither 
public property nor warlike munitions. 

At 9:50, made general signal No. 134. At 10 a. m., an expedition, con- 
sisting of the boats of the Ships "Cyane" and "Levant," with about 85 
marines and 140 sailors under the command of Captain Mervine, left this 
ship. At 10:20, landed all the marines and a detachment of sailors at the 
Custom House wharf, read a Proclamation from the Commander-in Chief ta 
the inhabitants of California, and hoisted the American ensign on the 
Custom House flagstaff. During the reading, the ship's company were 
kept at their quarters, and on the hoisting of the ensign ashore, this ship 
fired a salute of 21 guns. At 11, the boats returned to their respective 
ships, leaving the marines in garrison in town. 

"PROCLAMATION. 
"To THE Inhabitants of California. 

"The Central Government of Mexico, having commenced hostilities against 
the United States of America, by invading its territory and attacking the troops 
of the United States, stationed on the north side of the Rio Grande, with a force 
of seven thousand men, under the command of General Arista, which army was 
totally destroyed, and all their artillery, baggage, etc., captured, on the eighth 
and ninth of May last, by a force of two thousand three hundred men, under the 
command of General Taylor, and the City of Matamoras taken and occupied by 
the forces of the United States. 

"The two nations being actually at war by this transaction, I shall hoist the 
standard of the United States at Monterey immediately, a?td shall carry it 
throughout California. 

"I declare to the inhabitants of California, that, although in arms with a pow- 



76 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

erful force, I do not come among them as an enemy to California, but, on the, 
contrary, I come as their best friend, as henceforward, California will be a por- 
tion of the United States, and its peaceable inhabitants will enjoy the same rights 
and privileges as the citizens of any other portion of that nation, with all the 
rights and privileges they now enjoy, together with the privilege of choosing 
their own magistrates and other officers, for the administration of justice among 
themselves; and the same protection will be extended to them as to any other 
State of the Uuion. 

"They will also enjoy a permanent Government, under which life, property, 
and the Constitutional rights, and lawful security to worship the Creator in a 
way most congenial to each one's sense of duty, will be secure; which, unfortu- 
nately, the Central Government of Mexico cannot afford them, destroyed as her 
resources are by internal factions and corrupt officers, who create constant revo- 
lutions to promote their own interests and oppress the people. 

"Under the flag of the United States, California will be free from all such 
troubles and expenses. Consequently, the country will rapidly advance and 
improve, both in agriculture and commerce, as, of course, the revenue laws will 
be the same in California as in all other parts of the United States, affording 
them all manufactures and produce of the United States, free from any duty, and 
all foreign goods, at one-quarter of the duty they now pay, A great increase in 
the value of real estate and the products of California may reasonably be ex- 
pected. 

"With the great interest and kind feelings I know the Government and the 
People of the United States possess toward the citizens of California, the country 
cannot but improve more rapidly than any other on the continent of America. 

"Such of the inhabitants of California, whether natives or foreigners, as may 
not be disposed to accept the high privilege of citizenship, and to live peaceably 
under the free Government of the United States, will be allowed time to dispose 
of their property, and to remove out of the country, if they choose, without any 
restriction, or to remain in it, observing strict neutrality. 

"With full confidence in the honor and integrity of the inhabtants of the 
country, I invite the Judges, Alcaldes, and other civil officers, to retain their 
offices, and to execute their functions as heretofore, that the public tranquility 
may not be disturbed, at least, until the government of the territory can be more 
defiaitely arranged. 

"All persons holding titles of real estate, or in quiet possession of lands under 
color of right, shall have their titles and rights guaranteed to them. All churches 
and the property they contain, in possession of the clergy of California, shall 
continue in the same rights and possession they now enjoy. 

"All provisions and supplies of every kind, furnished by the inhabitants for 
the use of the United States or troops, will be paid for at fair rates; and no pri- 
vate property will be taken for public use, without just compensation at the 
moment. 

"John D. Sloat, 
"Commander-in-Chief of the U. S. Naval Forces in the Pacific Ocean. 

"United States Ship 'Savannah,' 

"Harbor of Monterey, July 6, 1846." 

Immediate possession was taken of the earthworks upon the hill 
overlooking the harbor, some heavy guns were sent on shore and 
placed in position, while a block-house of two low stories was con- 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 77 

structed, pierced for cannon, and for loop-hole firing b}' musketry if 
attacked. This was with entrenchments surrounding it named in 
honor of the Captain of the "Savannah," "Fort Mervine." It was 
constructed partially under the immediate supervision and commanded 
by Midshipman Wm. P. Toler a portion of the time. (The remains of 
the block-house are still to be seen, and were duly recognized by him, 
and his work pointed out and described by himself to us in July, 1896.) 

The marines took possession of and occupied the barracks, which 
had been occupied by the garrison of General Castro's forces, which 
had fled. 

A Company of Dragoons was at once formed of Volunteers from 
the naval vessels and the Americans on shore, to reconnoiter the coun- 
tr}^ and keep the communication open between Monterey and San 
Francisco, and prevent the people from being robbed. Horses and 
equipments were purchased, and Purser D. Fauntlero}' appointed Cap- 
tain, and Passed Midshipman Douis McLane made First Lieutenant, of 
this Naval Cavalry Company, an account of which is more fully de- 
scribed in Commodore Sloat's Official Report, as will be seen in the 
succeeding pages. 

But let us revert once more to the log of the "Savannah." 

Monterey, July 15, 1846. At 9:30 A. M., called all hands and read the following 
General Order: 

Generai, Order: 

The Commander in-Chief has the satisfaction to announce to the Officers, 
Seamen and Marines under his command, that he has received official informa- 
tion that the Flag of the United States is now flying at Yerba Buena, Sutter's 
Fort on the Sacramento, Saucelito, Sonoma and Bodega, and that the forces of 
the United States have quiet possession of the magnificent Bay of San Francisco 
and all the country within one hundred miles around, to the manifest satisfaction 
of the inhabitants, many of whom have enrolled themselves under our Flag and 
Officers for its protection. 

In taking possession of these places, many fine pieces of brass ordnance have 
been acquired. 

He congratulates each one under his command, that it has fallen to his lot to 
have participated in the honor and gloiy of placing the Country under the Flag 
of the United States, and in a position to be governed by their equitable and 
impartial laws. 

(Signed): John D. Si<oat, 
Commander-in-Chief of the United States Naval Forces in the Pacific Ocean. 

Flagship, Bay of Monterey, July 14, 1846. 

Says E. K. Raisson, Superintendent of Naval War Records, in his 
letter to us dated Washington City, D. C, August 14, 1901: 

"The logs of the 'Cyane' and 'Levant' give no reports in any way reflecting 
upon Commodore Sloat. They are, except for the diflference in name of the ship 
and officers in command and signing the log, almost exactly like the log of the 



78 Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat 

'Savannah.' The log of the 'Cyane' gives the General Orders in full, while that 
of the 'Levant' mentions the fact that such orders were read at general muster." 

Thus it will be seen that in just twelve days' time from the drop- 
ping of his anchor in the harbor of Monterey, he was preparing his Gen- 
eral Orders of Congratulation to those under his command of what had 
been achieved, in the faithful carrying out of his orders and plan of 
action, and that, too, without a single drop of bloodshed, and he had 
faithfully obeyed his instructions to the verj^ letter. There was no 
rival Naval Officer to divide the honors of this triumphant, peaceful 
conquest with him. It was all his own, as Commander-in-Chief, and 
proclaimed before any other Naval Vessel of War either from his own 
or from a foreign Country appeared in sight. 

It was all over with, and his plans for the interior of California were 
being made, when the frigate "Congress" with Commodore Stockton 
arrived in the afternoon of Juh* 15, 1846, who reported for duty to 
Commodore Sloat, and was assigned to duty on shore. 

On July 16, 1846, fully two weeks after Commodore Sloat had 
anchored in the harbor of Monterey, the British line-of-battleship 
" Collingwood " of 80 guns, under Admiral Seymour, came in and 
anchored, and remained a whole week, taking obser\'ations and taking 
notes. If he had manifested hostile intentions, there were two crack 
frigates and two sloops-of-war of the American Navy carrying half as 
many guns more than the British line-of-battleship, besides those at 
"Fort Mervine" upon the hill, able to direct a plunging fire upon his 
decks. 

Said Mr. William P. Toler, the Midshipman and aide-de-camp of 
Commodore Sloat, in his account given to us at the time of the raising 
of the flag at Monterey, and the events which immediately followed: 

He acted as Signal Officer on shore, the Quartermaster carrying 
the flag rolled up under his arms. The naval force was drawn 
up and under arms, while Rodman E. Price, the Purser of the 
"Cyane," read the Proclamation at the northwest corner of the 
Custom House, where Toler and the Quartermaster were stationed, 
and immediately under the flagstaff, and the flag was bent on or fast- 
ened to the halliards for hoisting. At the clo.se of the reading of the 
Proclamation, Toler gave the order to the Quartermaster at once to 
hoist the flag, and he did so, but only half-way, as the halliards or rope 
had got jammed in the truck or top. It was a critical moment, and 
Toler immediately snatched the halliards out of the hands of the 
Quartermaster and attempted to hoist it himself but met with no better 
success. Seeing the difficulty. Midshipman Higgins rushed forward, 
threw off his coat, and, taking off his shoes, climbed the flagstaff^ 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 79 

cleared the rope, and sang out, "Hoist away! Toler!" and Toler did 
so, and made the rope fast to the cleat. 

[We will here remark that the same difficulty occurred when Toler 
again raised the flag for the third time on the same flagstaff, fiftj' j-ears 
afl:erward, at the celebration of the Golden Jubilee, on Jul}' 7, 1896. 
We will also further remark, to perfect the true history as above 
related, that a Mr. Thomas Bralee, who has resided at Monterey for 
many years, had claimed that he himself hoi-sted the flag by order of 
Commodore Sloat, and so his story was generally believed, until it 
became necessary to bring Wm. P. Toler himself upon the scene. The 
Quartermaster was a seaman of nearly middle age, and an experienced 
petty officer and man-of-war' s-man and an American^ said Toler. This 
Thomas Bralee was an English lad scarcely more than an apprentice 
boy at the time, and would not have been assigned to such an impor- 
tant duty. He may have belonged to the frigate "Savannah" at the 
time, but Toler had no personal recollection of him.] 

There is an episode of unwritten history furnished b}' Wm. P. 
Toler, the aide-de-camp of Commodore Sloat, which we took down 
from his own lips, which is as follows: 

"Immediately after the arrival of the British flagship 'Collingwood,' Commo- 
dore Sloat, with his aides-de-camp, paid the customary official visit to Admiral 
Seymour on board of that ship. Midshipman Toler remained in the Commo- 
dore's gig with the coxswain and the boat's crew. After a little, one of the British 
officers, who had met Toler before, and with whom he was on the most friendly 
terms, invited him to come up on board the ship, and he did so, where he was 
agreeably entertained. 

"While sitting by the mess-table and chatting, a group of British officers near 
by were indulging in jolly conversation with considerable laughter, which was 
rather boisterous and which attracted Toler's attention, and he asked his British 
friend what was the cause of it, who replied, confidentially, that 'it was a joke at 
the Admiral's expense.' 'What is the joke?' asked Toler. His British friend 
replied as follows: 

" 'You see, that when we were near Point Pinos, the Admiral came on deck 
and manifested a great deal of anxiety, and gave orders to the Quartermaster, 
who carried the spyglass, to keep a sharp lookout when rounding the Point. As 
the 'Collingwood' made the turn and was sailing in, the Admiral, in sharp tones, 
said, 'Quartermaster, do you see a flag flying on shore?' The latter replied, 
'Yes, sir; but I cannot make it out, sir.' The Admiral, becoming more excited, 
kept repeating the question sharply, and received the same answer. At last he 
said again, 'Quartermaster, do you see a flag on shore now ?' The Quartermas- 
ter, shading his eyes, and stooping a little, and getting a clearer view under the 
fog, replied, 'Yes, sir; I see a flag very clearly, sir.' 'What flag is it?' asked the 
Admiral. The Quartermaster replied, '// is the American flag, sir.' Upon which 
the British Admiral slapped his thigh, stamped his foot and passionately ex- 
claimed in disappointment, ^Then, by God, I am too late.'^" 

This was the "joke" over which the group of British officers were 



So Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

laughing and witnessing the anger and disappointment exhibited by 
Admiral Seymour of the British Squadron at finding himself outsailed 
by over two weeks and Commodore Sloat already in possession of Cali- 
fornia, while the payment of the English debt by Mexico was put 
farther off than ever, and California forever secured to the American 
Union by the skill and bravery of the gallant Commodore John Drake 
Sloat. 

[Note. — We will here mention, that the distance from Mazatlan to Monterey 
is 1,304 miles, and from San Bias to Monterey, 1,386 miles, or 82 miles farther to 
the southeast. The British line-of-battleship "CoUingwood" was at San Bias on 
June 7, 1846, when Commodore Sloat received his latest news at Mazatlan from 
Surgeon Wm. Maxwell Wood from the City of Mexico, via Guadalajara, and he 
was watching the movements of Admiral Seymour as the surest guide for his own 
action. When the British brigautine tender, the "Spy," at Mazatlan, sailed for 
San Bias on June 7th, the same day, to give the news to Admiral Seymour, of war 
having actually begun between Mexico and the United States, it probably arrived 
at San Bias the next day; and if the "CoUingwood" sailed at the same time that 
the "Savannah" did from Mazatlan, which it probably did, on the 8th of June, it 
had the distance of the 82 miles to overcome to be even with the "Savannah." 
It would have had the same northwest trade winds to tack against as the Ameri- 
can flagship of Commodore Sloat, testing the sailing qualities of both vessels at 
the same time. 

The "Savannah" arrived at Monterey on July 2, 1846, or a passage of just 
twenty -four days, averaging a distance daily gained of 54 33- 100 miles. The 
"CoUingwood" arrived at Monterey on July 16, 1846, just two weeks afterwards, 
or thirty-six days, averaging 38 33-100 miles daily gained on the direct distance; 
showing that the sailing qualities of Commodore Sloat's flagship "Savannah" 
were 29 63-100 per cent, faster than Admiral Seymour's British liue-of-battleship 
"CoUingwood," or sixteen miles a day, on the direct distance, the best sailer. 
This Commodore Sloat probably anticipated, while he already had three sloops- 
of-war anchored in California waters, the "Cyane" and "Levant" at Monterey, 
and the "Portsmouth" at San Francisco, awaiting his arrival, and to receive 
orders and act simultaneously in taking possession of both places. We sailed 
from Mazatlan in the bark "Fannie" (under Peruvian colors), on the 23d of 
April, 1849, and after a voyage of thirty-one days, arrived at San Francisco on 
the 24th of May, 1849, and encountered the same head, trade winds which the 
"Savannah" and "CoUingwood" had to sail against— gaining 45 miles a day on 
the direct course. The "Savannah" would have beaten us at the rate of 9^/3 miles 
a day, and we should have beaten the "CoUingwood" 6 67-100 miles a day, as the 
bark "Fannie" was a fine sailer. — E. A. S.] 

On the same day before the arrival of the British ship "CoUing- 
wood," the American flag was hoisted at San Jose, July 16, 1846, 
by the Americans at that place, they having applied to Commo- 
dore Sloat for it, and which he furnished them three days before. 

Before introducing Commodore Sloat's official report of these events, 
it is proper at this place to mention an incident related by Commodore 
Sloat to his family, confirmed by his son Warrington Sloat, his Private 



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Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 8i 

Secretary at the time, and which the Commodore also stated to the 
Hon. Wm. S. Green, late U. S. Surveyor-General of California, and 
for many long years the editor and publisher of the Colusa Sun, when 
the Commodore was a guest afterwards at the latter' s home in 1852, 
six years afterwards. 

Said Commodore Sloat: "When the British line-of-battleship 'Col- 
lingwood' arrived, there were the two frigates 'Savannah' and 'Con- 
gress' and the, two sloops-of-war 'Cyane' and the 'Levant' of my 
squadron at anchor with a battery of 42-pounders on shore being con- 
structed. The ' Collingwood ' anchored within pistol-shot of the 
'Savannah.' That ship with the others was ready for action; the decks 
were cleared, anchors hove short, the matches were lighted, and the 
gunners stood by loaded cannon; the yards were full of men ready to 
drop the sails on the instant of a signal. In fact, we did everything but 
show our teeth — run the guns out of the port-holes. The practical eye 
of the Admiral could not but observe the preparations for immediate 
action." 

"You seem to be about to give your men some practice in the art 
of gunnery," said the Admiral as he shook hands with the Commo- 
dore. Sloat pointed to the flag on shore and remarked that he ' ' did 
not know but it would take some practice to keep it there." 

"Will you answer me candidly one question?" asked the Admiral. 
"Did you get any despatches through Mexico, just before you left 
Mazatlan?" 

' ' / did not, ' ' was the prompt answer from Sloat. 

After a moment's study, the Admiral said: "You did right, per- 
haps, and your Government will sustain you as the case now stands; 
but don't 5'ou know, Commodore, that there is not an Officer in the 
British Navy who would have dared to take the responsibility you 
have done? You doubtless had orders to take Monterey in case of 
war; but when you left Mazatlan, there were only a few leading Mexi- 
cans and myself who knew of the existence of hostilities. It is all 
over now," he continued; "but tell me. Commodore, since j^ou are not 
a man to shrink from responsibility, what would you have done, had 
there been, when ^-ou reached here, the flag of another nationality float- 
ing where yours now floats, and that flag guarded by a ship of the 
line?" 

"I would," said Commodore Sloat, "have fired at least one shot at 
it, and perhaps have gone to the bottom, and left my Government to 
settle the matter as it thought best. ' ' 

Such is the narrative given by the Hon. W. S. Green, a Pioneer, a 
truthful gentleman, whose veracity and honor cannot be impeached. 
While these are collateral incidents mentioned in connection with great 



82 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

and important events in our Nation's history, we now give the OflBcial 
Report of Commodore Sloat himself : 

Ex. Doc, 2d Sess., 30th Cong., p. 1006, Vol. i. No. 52. 

OPERATIONS OF TlIE PACIFIC SQUADRON. 

Despatches of Commodore S1.0AT. 

Containing an Account of His Proceedings on the West Coast of 

Mexico. 
Flagship "Levant," At Sea, July 31, 1846. 
Sir : I have the honor to report that, on the 7th June, I received at Mazatlan 
information that the Mexican troops, six or seven thousand strong, had, by order 
of the Mexican Government, invaded the territory of the United States north of 
the Rio Grande, and had attacked the forces under General Taylor, and that the 
Squadron of the United States were blockading the Coast of Mexico on the Gulf. 

These hostilities, I considered, would justify my commencing oflFensive opera- 
tions on the west coast. I therefore sailed on the 8th in the "Savannah" for the 
coast of California, to carry out the orders of the Department of the 24th June, 
1S45, leaving the "Warren" at Mazatlan to bring me any despatches or important 
information that might reach there. I arrived at Monterey on the second of July, 
where I found the "Cyane" and "Levant," and I learned that the "Portsmouth" 
was at San Francisco, to which places they had been previously ordered to await 
further instructions. 

On the morning of the 7th, having previously examined the defenses and 
localities of the town, I sent Captain Mervine with the accompanying summons 
(A) to the military commandant at Monterey, requiring him to surrender the 
place forthwith to the forces of the United States under my command. At 9 
o'clock 30 minutes a. m., I received his reply (B), stating that he was not author- 
ized to surrender the place, and referred me to the Commanding General of Cali- 
fornia, Don Jose Castro. 

Every arrangement having been made the day previous, the necessary force 
(about 250 seamen and marines) was immediately embarked in the boats of the 
Squadron, and landed at 10 o'clock under cover of the guns of the ships, with 
great promptitude and good order, under the immediate command of Captain 
Wm. Mervine, assisted by Commander H. N, Page as second. 

The forces were immediately formed and marched to the Custom House, 
where my Proclamation to the inhabitants of California (C) was read, the stand- 
ard of the United States hoisted amid three hearty cheers by the troops and 
foreigners present, and a salute of 21 guns fired by all the ships. Immediately 
afterwards, the Proclamation, both in English and Spanish, was posted up about 
the town, and two Justices of the Peace appointed to preserve order and punish 
delinquencies; the Alcaldes declining to serve. 

Previous to landing, the accompanying "General Order" (D) was read to the 
crews of all the ships; and I am most happy to state, that I feel confident that 
the inhabitants of Monterey, and all other places where our forces have appeared, 
will do them and myself the justice to say that not the least depredation, or 
slightest insult or irregularity, has been committed from the moment of our 
landing until my departure. 

Immediately after taking possession of Monterey, I despatched a courier to 
General Castro, the military commandant of California, with a letter (E) and a 
copy of my Proclamation, to which I received a reply (F). 



lyiFE OF Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 83 

Ou the 9th, I despatched a letter (G) by a courier to Senior Don Pio»Pico, the 
Governor at Santa Barbara. 

On the 6th of July, I despatched orders by sea to Commander Montgomery, 
to take immediate possession of the Bay of San Francisco, etc., and ou the 7th a 
duplicate of that order by land, which he received on the evening of the 8th; and 
at 7 A, M. of the 9th, he hoisted the flag at San Francisco, read and posted up my 
Proclamation, and took possession of that part of the country in the name of the 
United States. For a detailed account of the proceedings at San Francisco, etc., 
I refer you to the enclosed copies of my orders to Commander Montgomery, and 
his reports to me (numbered i to 10). 

On the 13th, at the request of the foreigners at the Pueblo of San Jose, I fur- 
nished a flag to be hoisted at that place (about 70 miles interior from Monterey), 
and appointed a Justice of the Peace to preserve order in the tovi^n; the Alcaldes 
declining to serve. The flag was hoisted on the i6th. 

Deeming Purser D. Fauntleroy well qualified for such service, I directed him, 
on the 8th, to organize a Company of 35 Dragoons from volunteers from the ships 
and citizens on shore, to reconnoiter the country, keep open the communication 
between Monterey and San Francisco, and to prevent the people of the country 
from being robbed, etc., and directed him to purchase the necessary horses and 
equipments to mount them. 

Passed Midshipman Louis McL,ane, having also volunteered for that service, I 
appointed him First Lieutenant of the Company. On the 17th, Mr. Fauntleroy 
was directed to reconnoiter the country with his command as far as the Mission 
of St. John's (San Juan) to take possession of that place, hoist the flag, and to 
recover ten brass guns, said to have been buried there by General Castro, when 
he retreated from that place. 

On his arrival there, Mr. Fauntleroy found that the place had been taken pos- 
session of, an hour or two previous, by Captain Fremont, with whom he returned 
to Monterey on the 19th. He was subsequently sent to garrison the place, dig 
up, mount the guns, and recover a large quantity of powder and shot, said to 
have been secreted there, all of which he accomplished before I sailed from Mon- 
terey, between which, the Pueblo of San Jose and San Francisco, a perfectly free 
communication was maintained. 

On the afternoon of the 15th July, the "Congress" arrived, and Commodore 
Stockton reported for duty. 

On the i6th, the British Admiral, Sir Geo. F. Seymour, arrived in the "Col- 
lingwood," 80. An officer was immediately sent to tender him the usual courte- 
sies and the facilities of the port. He was subsequently furnished with a set of 
top-gallant masts and other spars for his ship, and sailed on the 23d for the Sand- 
wich Islands. 

The visit of the Admiral was very serviceable to our cause in California, as 
the inhabitants fully believed he would take part with them, and that we would 
be obliged to abandon our conquest; but when they saw the friendly intercourse 
subsisting between us, and found that he could not interfere in their behalf, they 
abatidoned all hope of ever seeing the Mexican flag fly in California again. 

On the 23d, my health being such as to prevent my attending to so much and 
such laborious duties, I directed Commodore Stockton to assume command of the 
forces and operations on shore, and, on the 29th, having determined to return to 
the United States, via Panama, I hoisted my broad pennant on board the 
"Levant," and sailed for Mazatlan and Panama, leaving the remainder of the 
Squadron under his command, believing that no further opposition would be 



84 L,ife; of Rear-Admirai, John Drake Sloat 

made to our taking possession of the whole of the Californias (as General Castro 
had less than one hundred men), and that I could render much more important 
service by returning to the United States with the least possible delay, to explain 
to the Government the situation and wants of that country, than I could by 
remaining in command, in my infirm state of health. 

At the time of my leaving Monterey, the United States were in quiet pos- 
session of all "Alta California" north of Santa Barbara. 

The "Cyane" sailed for St. Diego on the 26th, to carry down Captain Fremont 
with about 150 riflemen (Americans) to take possession there, and to cut off 
General Castro's retreat to Lower California or Mexico. 

The "Congress" was to sail on the 30th for San Pedro to take possession there. 
That place is 27 miles from the City of Angeles, where General Castro and Gov- 
ernor Pico then were, and I have every reason to believe (knowing their anxiety 
to do so) that immediately on her arrival they would surrender, which would put 
an end to all opposition to the United States in the Californias. 

In closing this report, I should do injustice to my own feelings and the officers, 
seamen and marines of the Squadron I had the honor to command, if I neglected 
the opportunity to state, that no men could display more zeal, activity and deter- 
mined desire to do honor to their country and the service than they; consequently 
it would be invidious to particularize any individuals where all were equally 
zealous to do their duty in their respective stations. 

Hoping the course I have pursued will meet the approbation of the Depart- 
ment, I have the honor to be, most respectfully, your obedient servant, 

John D. Sloat, 
To the Hon. George Bancroft, Commodore. 

Secretary of the Navy, 
Washington, D. C. 

Thus was his report written""©!! board the "Levant" while at sea, 
on July 31, 1846, on his return home. On his arrival at Panama, he 
had to cross the Isthmus O!! mule-back, and down the Chagres River 
i!i a bungo in the most sickly period and most dangerous portion of the 
year, and await an opportunity at Chagres to embark on shipboard 
where he might sail for the !!earest foreign port, from whe!!ce he could 
obtain passage direct to the United States; and sending his report to the 
Secretary of the Navy from New York, he followed it himself in a few 
daj^s, arriving at Washington early in November, 184.6. 

The report of the Secretary of the Navy, dated December 5, 1846, 
in briefly reciting what Commodore Sloat had done, in obedience to his 
instructioi!S, said: 

"The ofiicer who was thus instructed, observed the line of conduct prescribed 
to him, with such intelligence and fidelity, that no cornplaint has ever been made 
of atty unauthorized aggression on his part.'" "On the 29th of July, Commodore 
Sloat found his infirm health so enfeebled by his arduous duties, that he deter- 
mined to avail himself of a permission which had been given him, in his discre- 
tion, to assign his command to Commodore Stockton, and sailed for Panama on 
his return home. After encountering much peril and hardship, this gallant and 
meritorious officer arriyed at the Seat of Government early in November last." 



Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat 85 

"In the novel situation in which both the Commanders of our naval forces 
have been placed, withotit instrtidions to regulate them in the detail of their con- 
duct, they have adopted measures to preserve social order and maintain our 
authority, and to withhold from the enemy any advantages from the conquered 
territory which are believed to be warranted by the laws of war.'' "The conduct 
of both Commanders has been marked by discretion, a spirit of conciliation, and 
a sacred regard for private rights, zvhile the military movements have been ably 
conceived and brilliantly executed.^^ 

The above commendation is of itself, to all fair and honorable- 
minded men, not only a vindication of Commodore Sloat against all his 
traducers, but the highest public award of merit that could be given 
by the Chief of the Navy Department with the approval of the Presi- 
dent. 

The Orders issued by the Secretary of the Navy on^May 13, 1846; 
May 15, 1846; June 8, 1846; July 12, 1846, and August 13, 1846, he 
never recei\-ed, and any impatience that may have been manifested 
therein or implied censure, if any, fell to the ground, and were ex- 
punged by the Secretary of the Navy himself by his commendation of 
the action of Commodore Sloat, who had received no other orders than 
those cited of June 24, 1845, which he turned over to Commodore 
Stockton for his guidance, to whom he relinquished his command on 
the 29th of July, 1846, and started on his return home. 

He has been falsely charged with having ' 'hesitated' ' and shrank 
from the performance of duty, in not immediately landing his forces 
and raising the flag at Monterey. For the reasons stated, of the 
changed condition of the country, the preparing of new proclamations, 
with a general plan of simultaneous action over the whole of Northern 
California, required discretion, careful examination, thorough prepara- 
tion and skill, and to accomplish without bloodshed, if possible, the 
conquest of the country. The spirit of his General Order, 47, which 
we again quote from, gives the lie to this slander and libel, when he 
said to those under his command: 

"We are about to land on the territory of Mexico, with whom the United 
States is at war; to. strike their flag and hoist our own, in the place of it, is our 
duty. IT IS NOT ONLY OUR DUTY TO TAKE CALIFORNIA, BUT TO 
PRESERVE IT AFTERWARDS AS A PART OF THE UNITED STATES, 
AT ALL HAZARDS. To accomplish this, it is of the first importance to culti- 
vate the good opinion of the inhabitants whom we must reconcile," etc. 

It was this same spirit of determination that was manifested in his 
letter to Commander Montgomery of the "Portsmouth," sent on July 
6th, the day before, when he gave him his orders to take possession of 
the Bay of San Francisco, and informed him of his own action to be 
taken the next day at Monterey, and said, ' '/ had rather be sacrificed 
for doing too mitch than ioo little.'" And it was this same spirit of deter- 



i 
86 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

mination of character in his reply to Admiral Seymour, who inquired 
of him, "But tell- me, Commodore, since you are 7iot a man to sin ink 
from responsibility, what would you have done, had there been when 
you reached here, the flag of another nationality floating where yours 
now floats, and that flag guarded by a ship of the line?" ''I won/d," 
said Commodore Sloat, "'have fired at least one shot at it, and perhaps 
have gone to the bottom^ and left my Goverywient to settle the matter as it 
thought best." 

This was in perfect keeping and in harmony wdth his whole naval 
service, from his first entrance as a Midshipman through all the grades 
to the rank of Commodore, w^hich he then held. 

Before passing on to the next Chapter, it is proper to again revert 
to Fleet Surgeon William Maxwell Wood, in connection with Commo- 
dore Sloat. 

Said Commodore Sloat, in his letter of March 20, 1855, written 
from New York to Fleet Surgeon William Maxw^ell W^ood: 

"I am most happy to acknowledge the very important services you have ren- 
dered the Government and the Squadron in the Pacific under my command at 
the breaking out of the Mexican War. The information you furnished me at 
Mazatlan from Guadalajara (at the risk of your life) iVas the otily reliable infor- 
mation I received of that event, and n'hich induced me to proceed immediately to 
California, AND UPON MY OWN RRSPONSIBIIvITY TO TAKE POSSES- 
SION OF THAT COUNTRY. I have always considered the performance of 
your journey through Mexico at the time as an extraordinary feat, requiring 
great presence of mind and address. How you escaped from the heart of an 
enemy's country and such a people, has always been a wonder to me, and has 
been so characterized on all occasions." 

We will here note that it was the last communication sent from the 
City of Mexico, via Guadalajara, by Dr. Wood, in which he said, "All 
this information I again sent to the Commanding Officer of the Pacific 
Squadron, signing my letter by an easy-understood hieroglyphic, and 
sending it through the Mexican mail under cover, to the subject of a 
neutral power." This was the information which Commodore Sloat 
received at Mazatlan on June 7th, given in his official report. 

The Chairman of the Naval Committee of the Senate commented 
on Fleet Surgeon Wood's valuable services as follow^s: 

"Every intelligent mind must at once appreciate the importance of the service 
which you have rendered the country, and your personal hazard in traveling 
through the heart of the enemy's country, communicating with your military 
superior, and furnishing him ivith the sole and otherwise unattainable informa- 
tion upon which he based the acquisition of California. The importance of this 
acquisition can be best estimated by asking ourselves, 'What would have been 
our National position in the Pacific and upon our Oregon frontier, had Great 
Britain, instead of ourselves, acquired possession of it?' I have always con- 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 87 

tended that its acquisition constitutes one of the Navy's strongest claims upon 
the gratitude of the Nation, and this chapter in its history, furnished by your 
own service, but strengthens this conviction." 

As we have said before, Commodore Sloat arrived at Monterey two 
weeks before Admiral Seymour arrived in the "Collingwood," had the 
American flag flying on the Custom House nine days before his arrival, 
with a battery on shore, and reinforced b}' the "Congress" frigate with 
Commodore Stockton, before the British Admiral made his appearance, 
and it was impossible to have lost California, for there was no danger, 
as Commodore Sloat had ample time and nearly two weeks to spare. 

Says the Hon. C. E. S. Wood, the son of Fleet Surgeon Wood, in 
his letter to us written at Portland, Oregon, June 25, 1896: 

"You are entirely and indisputably correct in your defense of Sloat, and it is 
an outrage that any defense should be needed." 

We here insert the following at the close of this Chapter. 

In the month of January, 1887, while temporarily sojourning at 
Mazatlan, Mexico, waiting for the steamship "Newbern" to return 
to San Francisco, we were the guest of Hon. K. G. Kelton, U. S. 
Consul at that place, who kindly permitted us to examine the Consular 
Books and make the following extracts, which were all that were of 
any interest in connection with the movements of Commodore Sloat in 
1846: 

(copy) 

"U. S. Consulate, 

"Mazatlan, July 24, 1846. 
"Sir: On the 15th inst., Commander J. B. Hull, commanding the U. S. Ship 
'Warren,' left this port bound for Monterey with despatches for Commodore 
Sloat. 

"Commander Hull desired of me to avail of the first opportunity to commu- 
nicate to you that the store ship 'Xylon' sailed from Brooklyn about the first of 
May last, with stores for the U. S. Squadron in the Pacific Ocean. According to 
the charter-party, she is to touch at Valparaiso, Callao and Mazatlan for instruc- 
tions. In case she should not have yet passed your port, when this reaches you, 
please despatch her at once for Monterey to meet the Commodore. 

"Commodore Sloat left here on the 8th ult. for Monterey, after having des- 
patched for the same point all the vessels of his Squadron excepting the 'War- 
ren.' Since then I have received no intelligence respecting his movements. 
"I am, etc., "James R. Bolton, 

"To the United States Consul, "Vice-Consul. 

"Callao " 

(copy) 
"No. 43. Consulate of the United States, 

"Mazatlan, August 5, 1846. 
"Sir: From -Archibald McRae, Esq., bearer of despatches to Commodore J. 
D. Sloat, I received your Confidential Circular, dated May 14th, and duly observe 
its contents. 



88 lyiFE OF Rear-Admiral John Drake Si.oat 

"Mr. McRae chartered a small vessel to bring him from Panama to this place, 
expecting to find Commodore Sloat still here. Bad weather compelled him to 
put to sea again; therefore, I am unable to inform you how or when Mr. McRae 
intends to recommence the prosecution of his mission. 

"I am informed by unquestionable authority that H. B. M. Ship "Juno" 
arrived at San Bias a few days since from Upper California, bringing the intelli. 
gence that Commodore Sloat had taken possession of Upper California, erected 
two or three fortifications, and by Proclamation informed the inhabitants that 
they are now under the jurisdiction of the United States Government. No copy 
of the Proclamation having been brought here, I am unable to furnish you with 
any further particulars. 

"I have the honor, etc., 

"James R. Bolton, 
"To the Hon. James Buchanan, "Vice-Consul. 

"Secretary of State, 
"Washington." 

We will here note that when the first of these was written, that it 
was seventeen days after the flag had been raised at Monterey, and all 
of Commodore Sloat' s plans had been successfully carried out in every 
particular. When the latter was written, Commodore Sloat had been 
a full week at sea on his return home to report in person to the Secre- 
tary of the Navy at Washington. 

We will now briefly review the events in California immediately 
following the departure of Commodore Sloat on his return home. 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 



CHAPTER VIII. 

Governments are sometimes willing to let or cause their servants to 
commit mistakes or perform acts of which they may receive the bene- 
fits, but which they can disavow and escape the responsibility, if neces- 
sary, to avoid difficulty; or openly approve their action by defending 
them. The officer, however, must take the risk of the construction of 
dubious orders received, when he assumes the responsibility, and 
where the terms are not absolutely and sharply defined in his instruc- 
tions. The Administration at Washington would not ask Congress to 
declare war with Mexico, when Colonel Cross and other U. S. Army 
Officers were foully murdered and their bodies mutilated by Mexican 
frontier guerrillas, nor when Captain Thornton and his Squadron of 
Dragoons were captured by the Mexican Army en masse on Texas soil 
on the 23d of April, 1846, nor order a blockade of the Mexican ports 
on the Gulf. The United States had not been engaged in a foreign 
war for a period of thirty-two years, and that, the last war, with 
Great Britain in 181 2-14. Her army had only been engaged in Indian 
fighting on the frontiers and in Florida. 

General Taylor, with his Army of Occupation on the Rio Grande 
(and to which we in an humble capacity belonged w^hen in our 
minority), was left by the U. S. Government to declare war from the 
mouths of his cannon and the rattle of his musketry on his oivn respon- 
sibility, in response to the challenge of shotted guns from the Mexican 
Army under General Arista at Palo Alto, and Resaca de la Palma 
under General Ampudia, on the 8th and 9th of May, 1846. Then four 
days afterwards the President and Congress declared "war exists be- 
tween the United States and Mexico." If General Taylor, on his way 
from Point Isabel to the entrenchments on the Rio Grande, had fired 
the first shot, the U. S. Government might have disavowed the act, 
sacrificed General Taylor, called a truce or armistice, and tried to patch 
up the matter in miserable, shameful peace negotiations. 

It was not, however, until blood had been shed on the battlefield on 
Texas soil, at Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, that a state of war 
was declared to exist, and the ports on the Gulf were ordered to be 
blockaded. Therefore, Commodore Sloat was right in his action, to 
wait for these events to occur, and in strict accordance with his instruc- 
tions, when he ''should ascertain beyo^id a doubt that Mexico has declared 
war against us, you will at once employ the force tinder your command to 
the best advantage;' which he did, as evidenced in his Proclamation at 
Monterey and set forth in his official report. 



90 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

"Coming events cast their shadows before," whether it be of a pros- 
pective increase of the census, the state of the political barometer, or 
the attitude of nations and peoples towards each other. The long 
period of hostilities between Texas and Mexico, resulting in the inde- 
pendence of the former, and its annexation to the United States, pre- 
pared both the Army and the Navy of the United States for what was 
immediatel}' to follow. 

Captain John C. Fremont, of the U. S. Engineers, with his Explor- 
ing Expedition, was to travel overland to the Pacific Coast, and quietly 
take observations of California's condition while engaged ostensibly in 
scientific researches. Commodore Stockton, who had been the Mes- 
senger of President Polk to President Sam. Houston, of the Republic 
of Texas, to announce the Act of Annexation, and fully posted, as he 
was in Texas affairs, was ordered to the Pacific, and these two in the 
course of events were to form a junction and operate together. 

The Bear Flag Republic proclaimed at Sonoma, on June 14, 1846, 
was dissolved upon the raising of the American flag at Monterey by 
Commodore Sloat on July 7. 1846. Its forces with others rallied under 
Fremont as a U. S. Army officer, who could not evade the responsi- 
bility of being their leader if he would. His commission as a Captain 
of U. S. Engineers gave him no authority to command an army, or to 
make war in the name of the U. S. Government; but it was the shadow 
or nebula of power to be concentrated in him by pressure from Ameri- 
cans without, and the ardent, determined, voluntary self-obedience of 
men, who demanded a leader for their guidance and protection of 
themselves and their families; and when he raised the American flag, 
all flocked to his standard from the Districts of Sonoma and Sacra- 
mento, and he marched with his independent command to Monterey to 
join forces with Commodore Sloat, where he arrived on July ig, 1846, 
twelve days after Sloat had taken formal possession of California, in 
the name of the U. S. Government, Fremont having already received 
money and supplies from Commander Montgomery, of the Sloop-of-war 
"Poitsmouth," at San Francisco. 

He was the only regular U. S. Arm)' Officer then in the field. His 
voluntar}' operations at Sonoma, Sacramento and the Santa Clara Val- 
leys had the effect of materially aiding Commodore Sloat in his suc- 
cessful and peaceful conquest. The volunteer Naval Company of Dra- 
goons under Fauntleroy, stationed at the Mission of San Juan, was 
soon recalled. General Jose Castro, with a few of his men, had fled to 
Southern California. In one week's time from his arrival at Monterey, 
Fremont and his command of about 150 men were dismounted and 
placed on board of the Sloop-of-war "Cyane," on July 26, 1846, and 



Life of Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat 91 

sailed for San Diego to cut off General Castro's retreat. This was 
three days before Commodore Sloat took his departure for home. 

Evidently Fremont preferred to at least be nominally under the 
command of high Naval authority, and yet at the same time be the 
leader of an independent land force to cooperate as he in his own judg- 
ment might see fit; and when the time should arrive, that the Naval 
forces should retire to their vessels, he would be the real Commander 
on land, His position was an anomalous one, and he doubtless relied 
upon his father-in-law, the Hon. Thomas H. Benton, U. S. Senator 
from Missouri, to sustain him with the Administration when the exi- 
gency should arise. He was animated by patriotism and a desire for 
the expansion of the greatness of his country, and at the same time, 
an ardent ambition to also be known as the Conqueror of California in 
reality. He rendered good service to Commodore Stockton, who also 
had to fight on land, and go to the relief of General Stephen Kearney 
and extricate him from his unfortunate and desperate situation, who 
had unwisely detached a portion of his command to return to^ New 
Mexico, rashly charged with disastrous results upon the cavalry force 
under General Andres Pico, at San Pasquale, and had to be helped out 
of his difficulty by Commodore Stockton and his command; all of 
which have become matters of history, which it is not our purpose to 
recount in this work. 

Fremont received the last surrender and fixed the terms of peace, 
which Stockton approved. Fremont was appointed Governor by 
Stockton, and entered upon his duties as such. He made the mistake 
of not recognizing his superior officer in the Army, General Stephen 
Kearney, who had the same orders to take possession of California that 
Commodore Sloat had received and turned over to Stockton. Fremont 
was finally put under arrest, and with General Kearney proceeded over- 
land to Washington, as did also Commodore Stockton, and where the 
famous trial took place, with the results already made known to his- 
tory. Commodore Stockton resigned from the Navy, and was elected 
U. S. Senator from his native State of New Jersey, as his father had 
been before him. Fremont also had the honor of being chosen the first 
U. S. Senator from California, he having been restored to his po.sition 
in the Army and resigned. 

General Taylor, the heroic and successful Commander in the Rio 
Grande Campaigns, and who won the battles of Palo Alto, Resaca de 
la Palma, Monterey and Buena Vista, was honored by being elected 
President of the United States, and prepared the way for the admission 
of the State of California into the Union, all of which has become 
recorded history and is familiar to our readers. 

It is proper at this juncture to again refer to the Bear Flag episode, 



92 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

and its effects upon the action and cool deliberation of Sloat, who ap- 
parently was somewhat puzzled by the attitude of Thomas O. Larkin, 
himself, which we have never yet seen referred to by any writer. 
Larkin was a thrift}^ Yankee trader from Boston, long years before he 
was made U. S. Consul at Monterey. He was thoroughly American 
by birth, education, impulse and marriage, and had no other than 
mercantile and financial ties that connected him with the Spanish 
Native Californians. It was to his interest that the American conquest 
should be a peaceful one, and so he was prepared to cooperate with 
Commodore Sloat and avoid bloodshed, and to that end they were dis- 
posed to work together, Sloat to follow out the instructions of the Sec- 
retary of the Navy. The raising of the Bear Flag at Sonoma, followed 
by the murders of Cowie and Fowler by Padilla and his men, near 
Santa Rosa, and the American settlers arriving and rallying around 
Fremont, demanding him for a leader, had completely changed the 
condition of affairs; and parkin's plans before the arrival of Commo- 
dore Sloat were entirely upset; and in his dual capacity of merchant 
and U. S. Consul, he was pretty much mixed. His private interests 
and financial affairs were thus placed in jeopardy by what had occurred 
at Sonoma and Sutter's Fort. The whole of California was now in 
arms. 

The orders of President Santa Ana, to shoot down every American 
immigrant who came into California armed and give no quarter, had 
been received by the military authorities, and General Jose Castro, the 
Military Commandante, under that decree issued similar orders, and all 
•the American settlers were to be driven from the country. 

The orders were in force when the Bear Flag revolt occurred, and 
Larkin apparently also had these in mind at the time. He remembered 
the treacherous seizure individually and the imprisonment of seventy 
Americans , and other foreigners, of Graham and others, who were 
manacled in irons and shipped to San Bias in April, 1840, though the 
Mexican Government afterwards returned them to Monterey in a dilap- 
idated and impoverished condition. 

U. S. Consul Thomas O. Larkin, in his letter of June 15, 1846, to 
Buchanan, Secretary of State, at Washington, written the very next 
day at Monterey, after the hoisting of the Bear Flag at Sonoma, but of 
which he was ignorant, when he wrote as follows: 

"The undersigned improves the opportunity of observing that there cannot 
be brought forvpard, by the President against Mexico, any claim or demand so 
strong and impetuous, as the unjust and cruel arrest, imprisonment and shipment 
in irons, of so many Americans from this port (Monterey) in April, 1840. Cali- 
for'tiians in California, contviitied this most outrageous act; a7id they and their 
territory should be held responsible.''^ 



lyiFE OF Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 93 

When he wrote that letter, in spirit he was in full accord with the 
Americans who formed the Bear Flag Party; but their immediate, pre- 
cipitate action made him doubtful of the result when his own Govern- 
ment should act. He was evidently anxious to see the fruits of his own 
diplomacy ripen, and he receive the credit due to his tact and skill in 
bringing about the acquisition of California by the United States Gov- 
ernment, and the native Spanish Californians, who had seized, impris- 
oned, manacled and exported some sevent}' Americans to Mexico, made 
to suffer for their acts. But when Commodore Sloat arrived, and the 
great formal initiatory act of conquest and acquisition was then to be 
performed, if there was any timidity or shrinking from the conse- 
quences of that action, it was Larkin and not Sloat who manifested it. 
Larkin was like the young man who courted a girl and made a pro- 
posal for marriage by letter, which was accepted, and when she came 
to him to get married he trembled and shook clear down into his boots. 
Sloat could leave the country and return home at any time, as he was 
supreme in command, transfer his pennant to any vessel, which he did, 
to the "Levant," as he had permission to do. But when the American 
flag was about to be raised, Larkin' s powers as U. S. Consul were to 
cease, as it would be U. S. territory under military rule, though he 
might still be recognized as the quasi Civil Representative, to a certain 
extent, of the U. S. Government, and possibly become an Alcalde or 
Justice of the Peace. 

Larkin' s residence and business interests with the native Spanish 
Californians had extended through a period of fourteen years; and he 
was their creditor to a considerable extent, while his personal inter- 
course with them for so long a time when friendships had been formed, 
had made him intimate with every one with whom he had done busi- 
ness. Now, all of this was to receive a sudden and violent shock, and 
he and his patrons were all at once to become national enemies in arms, 
Americans versus Mexicans, in California as elsewhere during that 
conflict. In his anxiety to retain their personal friendship and patron- 
age, he desired to have a peaceful but armed seizure and occupation, 
now that the U. S. Naval forces had arrived and were ready to promptly 
act; and in his dual character as U. S. Consul and merchant, he ap- 
peared before Commodore Sloat on board his flagship "Savannah" and 
gave him such information and intelligence of the condition of affairs 
as then existed. The proclamations which had been prepared a few 
days before at sea by Commodore Sloat' s direction and translated into 
Spanish, and written by his aide-de-camp, Wm. P. Toler, had to be 
destroyed and new ones prepared, in which Larkin assisted. These 
had again to be revised and tran.slated into Spanish, and copies made 
and sent to Captain Montgomery at San Francisco, to be also carried 



94 Life of Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat 

b}^ Ivieutenant Revere to Sonoma and sent to Bodega and Sutter's Fort 
at Nueva Helvetia, or what is now Sacramento, as well as at San Jose 
and elsewhere in California. 

While keeping a sharp lookout to the seaward, Sloat coolly and 
carefulh' deliberated, but did not hesitate in the performance of his duty in 
the step he was now to take. He had his orders of June 24, 1845, 
which had not been modified or changed, so far as he knew, and he 
was prepared to act. That he might possibly meet with resistance from 
some of General Castro's forces concealed in the pine forest back of 
Monterey and the fort near by, he gave his orders as if expecting an 
attack, and he was not going to be taken by surprise and unprepared, 
is evident to any one who will give them a careful reading and exam- 
ination of the situation. 

The same care and precautions were taken at the landing of the U. 
S. forces under General Taylor at Point Isabel, Texas, and when cav- 
alry and artillery horses, as well as men, were landed from the vessels. 
Men could be landed readily in boats, but with horses on the decks of 
a rolling ship in the open roadstead of the Gulf, it was a different thing 
altogether. A young bugler, however, solved the difficulty, when 
supposed-to be wiser heads of veteran officers failed. He mounted his 
horse on deck, and when the ship rolled low down on its side, he 
spurred him sharply and the horse with its rider plunged into the sea. 
The bugler sounded the charge while his horse was swimming, and 
every horse on board the ship sprang overboard, followed their leader 
and swam ashore, while not one was lost. This was a lesson ever 
aftenvards remembered by officers having charge of the transportation 
and landing of horses and mules. 

L,ike care and deliberation, tiot '^hesitation" was taken by General 
Scott, previous to the landing of his troops at Vera Cruz, Mexico, on 
the 9th of March, 1847. He waited until all of his forces had arrived. 
There was an army in the City of Vera Cruz, in the Castle of San Juan 
de Ulloa, with a large cavalry force concealed behind the hills back 
from the shore where the landing was to take place. The U! S. steam- 
frigate "Princeton" (built by Commodore Stockton) towed the sailing 
frigate ' Raritan" (with General Worth's Division on board of both 
ships) to the anchorage opposite the island of Sacrificios and the shore 
of the mainland. The troops in an orderly manner took their places 
in the surf-boats, which were attached to two long hawsers from the 
stern of the "Princeton," and at a given signal the prow of each boat 
instantly was pointed to the shore, and it was the grandest rowing 
regatta ever witnessed. The landing was covered b}^ the vessels of the 
Gulf Squadron, under Commodore Perry, and but a few moments 
■elapsed when the boats grounded, and the troops, jumping into the 



Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat 95 

water nearly up to their necks, holding their arms and ammunition 
above their heads, waded ashore, and in less than five minutes' time a 
line of battle was formed of 5,000 men, read}^ for action. It was our 
fortune to have participated with General Worth's Division in that 
event, and to have been in the second boat that touched the shore. 
The next morning others having landed, and the enemy's cavalr}!- hav- 
ing been driven back, General Scott, with his arm}^ of fifteen thousand 
men in order of column, was marching up the beach, without the loss 
of a man, and in two or three days the circumvallation and investment 
of Vera Cruz was complete and the siege begun. That cit^^ after 
nearl}^ a week's bombardment, surrendered, and the first of a new series 
of victories under General Scott was begun, which terminated on Sep- 
tember 14, 1847, by the capture of the City of Mexico; and on Feb- 
ruary 2, 1848. by the stipulations of the Treaty of Peace, California, 
New Mexico and Arizona, including also what are now the States of 
Wyoming, Colorado and Utah, and the Rio Grande as the southern 
boundard of Texas and the United States, settled forever. 

At Monterey, from the hour of four o'clock p. m. of July 2d, the 
time of Commodore Sloat' s arrival in the "Savannah" (with the sloops- 
of-war "Cyane" and "Levant" already in port), he was just four days 
in preparing his plans for a general and simultaneous movement to 
take place as near as possible, and sent his orders to Captain Mont- 
gomery at San Francisco to land and take possession there, and to des- 
patch officers to Sonoma, Bodega and Sutter's Fort, at the same 
time also contemplating advanced movements into the interior at 
San Juan Bautista and elsewhere. His forces were wisely distributed, 
while Monterey was under his guns, completely in his power; and in 
eighteen hours, from the time his orders had been given to Captain 
Mervine and his other subordinates on the evening before, the landing 
of his forces had already taken place, the American flag fl3'ing over the 
Custom House, his proclamation read and posted, the marines occupied 
the barracks, and the officers with their crews back again and eating 
their dinners on board the vessels of war. 

It was a week afterwards that Commodore Stockton arrived with 
the frigate "Congress," on the 15th of July, and the next day after 
that, when the British Admiral, Seymour, arrived with his line-of- 
battleship, the "Collingwood," or fully two rveeks after SloaV s arrival. 
Admiral Seymour must have been the one who ''hesitated" while on his 
way to Monterey, and ''hesitated" as to his course of action, when there 
were two first-class American frigates with two sloops-of-war, and a 
land battery on shore, which would have made him rather uncomforta- 
ble if he meditated any hostile act on his part towards the American 
Squadron under Sloat upon his arrival. 



96 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

We recently, on the 2d of November, 1901, while at Monterey, and 
laying stones in the base of the Sloat Monument, asked of Mr. Moses 
Schallenberger, in the presence of Hon. Samuel W. Holladay and sev- 
eral others, to repeat his answer to our question put to him in San Jose, 
a short time before, which he did. He had stated "that he was a clerk 
in Thomas O. parkin's .store, and was present when the American flag 
was raised and the proclamation read by order of Commodore Sloat, 
on the 7th of Jul}', 1846, at Monterey, and was an eyewitness of the 
whole affair; and before and after the hoisting of the flag, saw and 
met Commodore Sloat, and from what he himself ob.served and heard, 
knew pretty well what was going on." 

We asked him, "Mr. Schallenberger, what you saw and heard of 
Commodore Sloat, from the time of his arrival, did he show any timid- 
ity or hesitancy whatever, or manifest by his actions that he was in 
doubt, or shrink from the performance of bis duty?" Mr. Schallen- 
berger answered most emphatically, "No! Commodore Sloat was as 
brave a man as ever lived. He was a stern but quiet man, of few 
words and of great reserved force and determination of character; and 
it is only of late years and recently that I have ever heard that he was 
charged as lacking courage and decision of purpose, which is utterly 
false. He was in Monterey about three weeks or so, finished up his 
business, turned his command over to Commodore Stockton and sailed 
for home." 

We will put Moses Schallenberger' s statement as worthy to be be- 
lieved before all others, and he is still living and in good health at San 
Jose, where he resides. 

We wrote to the Hon. Wm. Boggs of Napa, the First Vice-Presi- 
dent of the loat Monument Association, who was the Sergeant Major 
of Captain Maddox's Battalion of Marines and Volunteers, which ren- 
dered such good service, who was stationed at Monterey for a year or 
more until mustered out. We a.sked him, "Did you ever hear it men- 
tioned at Monterey or elsewhere, that Commodore Sloat 'hesitated' as 
if in doubt, was timid, or shrank from the performance of duty by any 
unnecessary delay, in landing and taking possession of California by 
raising the American flag at Monterey?' ' To which we received the 
following reply which, while sustaining Schallenberger' s statement as 
regards Commodore Sloat is of itself a valuable contribution to history 
as well as establishing the fact of the total unreliability of "Kanaka 
Davis" in his false statements and 5^arns. We give it in full as we re- 
ceived it. 



Life op Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 97 

"Napa, Aug. 5, 1901. 
<'Edwin a. Sherman, Esq, 
Oakland, Cal., 

"Dear Old Friend Ed.: — Yours of the 3d iust came duly to hand this 
morning and I hasten to answer the few questions that you submit, as follows: 

" 'ist. While I was at Monterey, with Capt. Maddox, did I ever hear any re- 
marks reflecting on the courage of Commodore Sloat as being a timid man, and 
afraid to hoist the American flag at Monterey and that he delayed on such timid- 
ity, and hesitated as if in doubt about hoisting it?' In answer to the foregoing 
question, / ansiver emphatically NO! On the contrary, I know of my own 
personal knowledge, that the naval officers at the time of the commencement of 
hostilities on this Coast during the war with Mexico, were brave, daring and ad- 
venturous, and ambitious to preserve their country's honor, as well as to distin- 
guish themselves from the highest officer in the Navy to the sailors before the 

mast. 

"The Company to which I belonged was composed principally of marines and 
sailors, and a few frontier landsmen or volunteers that came overland at the 
time I did, and where I had recruited and with them enlisted at Verba Buena by 
Captain Hull of the 'Warren,' which, with the frigate 'Savannah,' commanded 
by Captain William Mervine, was lying in the harbor in the front of the town. 
The Commander of the Port, Lieutenant Washington Bartlett, and a few sailors, 
were prisoners in the Spanish Camp near Santa Clara. I and my companion, A. 
T. Grayson, were invited by Captain Mervine aboard of the 'Savannah,' and re- 
ceived a private message from Captain Mervine to be delivered to Captain Mad- 
dox, who was on his way from Monterey with reinforcements to aid the com- 
manding officer at Santa Clara (Lieutenant Martin). Captain Hull sent our party 
often or twelve volunteers with ammunition for the marines and sailors stationed 
there to the number perhaps of thirty; and they, with one or two small parties 
of volunteers, were holding off" about five hundred Californians under Don 
Francisco Sanchez, who were encamped near the Mission of Santa Clara with 
their prisoners and threatening to retake Upper California. We arrived— our 
party at the Alviso landing at night — and carried the ammunition up to the 
Mission of Santa Clara; the camp-fires of the Californians were plainly seen from 
the route to the Mission. There we met Captain Maddox from Monterey, with 
his marines and sailors, whom he had hastily mounted, and crossing the Santa 
Cruz Mountains by a narrow horse trail, came down upon the Spanish camp and 
charged on them; but was met by a man bearing a white flag, who informed him 
that there was an eff'ort being made to come to some terms of a peaceable nature. 
"Maddox rode into the Mission with his command, and was there when our 
little party arrived with the ammunition. We joined his Company, which was 
about sixty men, all men-of-warsmen and sailors, with one or two exceptions, 
the guide and a young man by the name of Martin. 

"Maddox was a marine officer, and commanded the Middle Department at 
Monterey. Maddox mustered us in the next morning and moved out in the 
plain in front of the Spanish Camp, formed a line of battle, and gave orders at 
eight o'clock to charge the Spanish Camp, and we were going straight at them, 
the Captain almost one hundred yards ahead of his men, when a horseman was 
seen coming out of the timber from the Spanish Camp towards the Captain, who 
was waiving his sword to his men to come on. I left my position on the extreme 
right of the line, and went straight toward the man who was aiming to meet 
Maddox, and we three came together about the same time. It proved to be the 



98 Life of Rear-Admirai, John Drake Sloat 

prisoner, Lieutenant Bartlett, who seemed surprised to see such a large party of 
Americans. He begged Captain Maddox to halt his command, as the Califor- 
nians were parleying about a surrender. Maddox halted his command, pulled 
out his watch and told Bartlett that he would give them just ten minutes to sur- 
render; and inside of ten minutes they filed out of the timber by platoons of 
four and rode in towards the Mission, and Maddox and his Company rode in the 
rear of them, and they laid down their arms and submitted, took the oath, or 
■were paroled not to take up arms during the continuance of the war. 

"Maddox then took up his march, and after ransacking San Jose for supplies, 
we crossed the Santa Cruz Mountains in storms and floods, and reached Monterey 
after swimming every stream and mountain torrent between Monterey and San 
Jose, arriving there about the time the 'Independence,' Commodore Shubrick, 
came to anchor. 

"I became acquainted with many of the naval officers, both at Monterey and 
San Francisco. 1 mention these facts in detail to show that I had the opportu- 
nity to see many of the naval officers and conversed with them. 

"As to your 2nd question. There were good reasons for any officer or volun- 
teers to move with caution, as the Californians were gathering their forces under 
such men as Don Andres Pico, of Los Angeles; Joaquin and Gabriel De la Torre, 
of Salinas; Francisco Sanchez, of Santa Clara Valley. Don Pablo de la Guerra 
and General Rafael Castro were prisoners in the hands of the U. S. Navy at 
Monterey, and were there in the barracks guarded by marines when I arrived 
there in 1846 with Captain Maddox. 

"Captain Maddox moved with caution; we put out guards every night, and 
when on the march, we had our scouts out, right and left; we did not know what 
moment we would be attacked; in fact, we expected a fight with De la Torre. 
It was even much more dangerous times when Commodore Sloat hoisted the flag 
at Monterey. 

"The overland immigrants had not yet arrived when Fremont recruited his 
army, and without them he would scarcely have dared to return from his journey 
north, when Major Archibald Gillespie, bearing dispatches or orders, overtook 
him and caused him to return to California, from whence he had been ordered 
out of the country by General Castro. Major Gillespie was a marine officer, and 
was the officer sent to bring Fremont back, with orders to await the arrival of 
the U. S. ships-of-war, and to hold himself in readiness at some convenient point 
to cooperate with the naval forces when they arrived. 

"During the Bear Flag episode, he returned from his journey north and en- 
camped on the Feather River, in the Sacramento Valley, and it was at this camp 
a party of the Bear Flag men waited on Fremont and asked him to cooperate 
with them; but Fremont told them he had no orders to commit any overt act, 
and, therefore, could not openly render them any assistance, but intimated to 
them to go ahead, and he would see that they would be supplied with ammuni- 
tion or any assistance that he could render, in case of their being pushed too 
close by the enemy. This fact, as well as others, I had from the men who waited 
on Fremont. 

"These facts show that it required prudence and caution by all, whether offi- 
cers in command or independent parties acting on their own responsibility, in 
the Navy or on land. 

'•There were very few Americans on land when Commodore Sloat arrived at 
Monterey, and those were men whose interests were identified with the Califor- 
nians more or less; such dealing as traffic in hides and tallow and supplying the 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 99 

rancheros with goods. Among these few in Upper California were 'Kanaka 
Davis,' Howard & Melius, of Yerba Buena; Timothy Murphy, of San Rafael; 
Captain Sutter, of Nueva Helvetia; Captain Smith, of Bodega; Captain Fitch, of 
San Diego, and Jacob P. Leese, of Sonoma. 

"Now as to 'Kanaka Davis' ' Elk Stor)^ I can say that I never saw but very 
few elk from the time I arrived in California, and not over twenty or thirty in a 
herd, and but two or three herds altogether. There were thousands of antelope 
and deer in the foothills and mountains. I knew 'Kanaka Davis' in 1846, and 
purchased Sandwich Island sugar and some other groceries of him on my return 
from Monterey after the news of the Treaty of Peace, and on discharge from 
voltmteer service. The only two houses or stores doing business in Yerba Buena 
at that time were the firm of Howard «S: Melius and 'Kanaka Davis.' He has 
«ince informed me at Napa recently that he never went by the name of 'Kanaka 
Davis,' and seemed insulted that I should have reminded him of it. That was 
what all the old Californians called him; in fact, I was referred to his store in 
1846-7 as 'Kanaka Davis' Store;' and my father, L. W. Boggs, purchased goods 
of him in early days for his store in Sonoma; and every old settler, whether 
Spanish or American, knew him as 'Kanaka Davis,' Some of them are living 
yet and call him 'Kanaka Davis.' 

"His Elk Story may possibly be true, but it sounds like a big fish story. I 
was told by an old mountaineer that there were vast herds of elk at one time in 
the San Joaquin Valley, also many wild horses, and it may be that 'Kanaka 
Davis' ' elk emigrated to the San Joaquin Valley, for there were not a hundred 
elk in the flats surrounding the Bay in 1846 and '47. There were one or two small 
bands in the Sonoma marsh lands, and a few bands above Cache Creek, and per- 
haps a small band or two off in the Montezuma Hills and Tules about Suisun, but 
never more than fifteen or twenty together, and they soon disappeared. 

"Now, I did not intend to write such a lengthy answer to inquiries, but to 
«how that there is much of the unwritten history of California yet to be brought 
out. 

"Now, as to 'Kanaka Davis'' yarn about Commodore Jones' proposal to re- 
move his brick building from San Francisco to Benicia. I happened to have the 
honor of spending several days in Commodore Ap Catesby Jones' company, in 
1849 and '50. I was at Sonoma, when the old Commodore came up there to visit 
General Vallejo, and I pointed out the General's house to him. He came in 
afoot from the tules where he had left his boat and crew of sailors, and he was all 
wet and muddy when he arrived, dressed in gumboots and oilcloth cap, with 
shotgun and game-bag on; a tall, gaunt old Welshman. He enquired of me for 
General Vallejo, and I pointed to General Vallejo, who was standing on his front 
verandah, looking out for the Commodore and his suite, whom he had previously 
invited to visit him at Sonoma. 

"When the Commodore stopped in front of him, and spoke to him, the Gen. 
eral did not recognize him. He remarked to the General, 'I am Commodore 
Jones. General, how do you do?' Says the General, 'You, CoDunodore Jones !^ 
And all over mud and splash, the General took him in, and the old Commodore 
was made to feel at home. 

"In a few days the General furnished him horses and saddle, and I was invited 
to ride around the country with both the General and the Commodore, and we 
went to Benicia and Mare Island Straits, and we pointed out the various eligible 
sites for towns. The old Commodore was somewhat an enthusiast about farming 
lands and town sites, and remarked that he thought Benicia could be made a 
L.cfC. 



loo Life op Rear-Admirai. John Drake Sloat 

port of entry, and that he could defend the entrance to the Straits much easier 
than he could defend the entrance to San Francisco. I was in his barge when 
taking the soundings in looking for a navy yard site, and we took the soundings 
from above Benicia down through the Mare Island Straits; and the old Commo- 
dore frequently expressed his admiration of the many eligible town sites, 
etc., etc. 

"A few of the San Francisco merchants became jealous of Benicia, for fear 
that the commerce of the city might be diverted from their harbor to Benicia; 
and I suppose 'Kanaka Davis' was among them, for I never heard of his taking 
part in anything outside of his grocery store in Yerba Buena. 

'^As to Commodore Jones using any war ship for private speculation is so 
absurd that it seems ridiculous. 

"The Commodore, General Vallejo and myself were invited to dine on board 
the U. S. Sloop-of-war 'Preble,' that was lying at anchor in the Straits of Car- 
quinez near Benicia. She was commanded by Captain West, her First Officer; 
her actual Commander was Captain Glenn, who was absent. Commodore Jones 
did not seem to have any more authority on this ship-of-war than either General 
VaMejo or myself. We were regaled with a fine dinner, and the old Commodore 
told many stories of his farm life, and about his two sons, who were Midshipmen 
in the Navy. And he had no more idea of tising a Government vessel for private 
ends than I did of taking command of the ^Preble.'' 

"So much for 'Kanaka Davis" yarn about one of the bravest old Commodores 
in the U. S. Navy. "Yours truly, 

"W. M. BoGGS." 

We have thus introduced this letter of the Hon. William M. Boggs, 
the First Vice-President of the Sloat Monument Association, a lineal 
descendant of the famous Daniel Boone of Kentucky, and whom we 
have intimately known for a period of fifty-two years as a gentleman 
of undoubted honor, courage and veracity, whose father was the late 
Hon. lyilburn W. Boggs, formerly Governor of Missouri, who came to 
California with his family overland in 1846 and to Sonoma. 

The only motive that we can conceive of which may have prompted 
'Kanaka Davis' to lie about Commodore Sloat in his operations at 
Monterey, is the fact that this half-breed from Honolulu, having mar- 
ried into a Spanish California family, desired to ingratiate himself fur- 
ther with some of the people of that race, who in heart have never 
taken kindly to the American occupation; and by misrepresenting and 
belittling the action of Commodore Sloat at Monterey, in taking pos- 
session of California, gratify them, and at the same time there may 
have been a money consideratian paid him by those who used him in 
his detraction and slander of Commodore Sloat, to be repeated in their 
publications, perhaps in getting out his own, to confirm what he had 
given them before. 

In looking over some former letters of the Hon. Wm. Boggs, of 
Napa, we find one of May 3, 1896, from which we take the following: 
extracts: 





The Latr Rear-Admiral 
JOHN DRAKE SLOAT, U. S. NAVY 

At the time of his Golden Wedding, Nov. 27, 1864, when 
83 years, 4 months and 1 day old. He died Nov. 28, 1867, 
aged 86 years. 4 months and 2 days old. Was in Active 
Service 63 years in the U S. Navy 



MRS. ABBY (NEE Gordon) Sloat 

WIFE OF THE LATE 

Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat, U.S. N. 

At the time of their Golden Wedding, Nov. 27, 1S64. when 
68 years, 11 months and 21 days old. She died Nov. 15, 
1878, aged 83 years old, having survived him about 
eleven years. She sleeps beside him in Greenwood 
Cemetery, Brooklyn, New York. 





MR. JAMES BAYARD WHITTEMORE, JR. MRS. JOSEPHINE EMII.Y KINCAID 



Great grandson of the late Rear-Admiral John Drake 
Sloat. Reader of his Proclamation at San Francisco, 
July 9, 1S96, and at Monterey, July 4, 1902. 



Great Granddaughter of the late Rear-Admiral John 
Drake Sloat, who furnished his record from New York 
City. 




THE BURIAL PLACE AND MONUMENT 

OF THE LATE 

REAR-ADMIRAL JOHN DRAKE SLOAT, U. S. NAVY 

AND FAMILY 

GREENWOOD CEMETERY, BROOKLYN, NEW YORK 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat ioi 

"Napa, Cal., May 3, 1S96. 
*'Hon. E. A. Sherman, Sec'y of Sloat Monument Association— 

"Dear Sir and Friend: Your favor of the 2d iust., enclosing printed 
copies of your replies to one George Edwards, of the H. H. Bancroft History, of 
San Francisco, all of which I have perused with interest, came duly to hand." 
********* 
"As to the Bancroft Historian. I have good reason to know the falsity of his 
history in many particulars. In his 19th Vol., History of Utah, and the Latter 
Day Saints or Mormons, he places my father in a very unfavorable light when he 
•was Governor of Missouri. 

"He states that my father, 'the late Lilburn W. Boggs, headed a mob and led 
them against the Mormons, driving them from Jackson County, where the Mor- 
mons had settled.' 

''This was a base lie; doubtless taken from a Mormon standpoint, in order to 
make his work popular in Utah. 

"My father was Lieutenant-Governor of Missouri at the commencement of 
the Mormon troubles, and absolutely refused to take part in the Citizens' force 
that drove them from Jackson County; and after he was elected Governor of the 
State, he was called upon by the citizens where the Mormons located to do some- 
thing to suppress them from the high-handed course they were pursuijig in defi- 
ance of the laws of the State. He finally called for five thousand State troops 
and compelled them to leave the State; and for which, they afterwards attempted 
his assassination and came near killing him, by the means of an assassin who 
crept up to his window one dark and rainy night and fired four balls into his 
head, while he was surrounded by his family, of wife and little children, at his 
private residence in the old town of Independence, Missouri. 

"Mr. Bancroft also states that 'two of Governor Boggs' sons were at the kill- 
ing of the Mormon Prophet, Joe Smith, in Carthage, Illinois.' 

"There was not a member of the Boggs family within three hundred miles of 
the place at the time the Illinois mob killed Joe Smith. Such base and slander- 
ous lies no doubt Mr. Bancroft obtained through his Mormon informants; and to 
please the saintly crowd at Salt Lake City, who were fast becoming rich, in order 
to make his work and History sell, he no doubt catered to their wishes. 

"So you can judge about how much store I set on Bancroft's History. His 
method of obtaining history of the Pioneers would certainly result in confusion, 
and would damn the work for all time to come. 

"Yours truly, 

"W, M. BoGGS." 

We have thus introduced the foregoing letters, that our readers may 
see and learn the truth of how much dependence is to be placed in the 
lying statements of the detractors and defamers of the loyal, gallant, 
prudent, patriotic and brave experienced officer of the U. S. Navy, the 
late Admiral John Drake Sloat, who, when Commodore, in faithful 
obedience in spirit and to the letter, acquired possession of California 
by raising the American flag at Monterey on July 7, 1846. 

We cannot close this Chapter without giving the following copies of 
letters from the Hon. George C. Perkins, U. S. Senator from Califor- 
nia, and Lieutenant Lucien Young, of the U. S. Navy, sent to us on 
the dates written: 



I02 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Si.oat 

[Copy of letter from the Hon. George C. Perkins, U. S. Senator, from Washington.] 

"United Statks Senate, 
"Washington, D. C, March 7, 1896. 
^'Hon. Edwin A. Sherman, Oakland, California — 

"My Dear Sherman: I know that you will be grateful to learn that I find 
from the official records that your estimate of Commodore Sloat is correct, and 
that there is no tinge of dishonor reflecting on him in any way, for the Bancroft 
charge of alleged want of promptness in obeying the orders of our Government, 
in not proceeding more promptly to Monterey and taking possession of Cali- 
fornia. 

"The letter herewith from Lieutenant L,ucien Young is self-explanatory. Mr. 
Young is a Lieutenant in the U. S. Navy, and has been detailed as an Assistant 
Superintendent in the Library of the Navy Department, for the purpose of com- 
piling and editing the Naval War Records of the Rebellion; and of course is 
recognized authority upon the subject-matter under consideration. 

"I am sorry I cannot send you the executive documents to which Lieutenant 
Young's letter refers; but there are only bound volumes here, and, therefore, I 
am unable to send them to you, I think, however, Lieutenant Young's letter 
covers the whole ground. The documents fully vindicate the good name of Com- 
modore Sloat, and show that Bancroft is, in this case, anything but a correct his- 
torian. 

"I will make an effort now to press our bill for an appropriation for a monu- 
ment to the memory of Commodore Sloat to a successful conclusion; but so 
many other bills now have the right of way that I am not as sanguine of success 
as I would have been had I pressed it a month or six weeks earlier, which I 
should have done had it not have been for this Bancroft expose. 

"Again congratulating you upon being right in defending a patriotic and gal- 
lant Naval Officer, whose memory had been most unjustly maligned, 
"I remain, very truly yours, 

"Geo. C. Perkins." 
(copy) 
"[For the information of Edwin A. Sherman.] 

"Navy Department, 
"Library and Naval War Records, 

"Washington, D. C, March 6, 1896. 

"My Dear Senator: In answer to your letter in regard to the official acts of 
Commodore Sloat, in taking possession of California for the United States, I find 
in most of the books written about California at that period a decided and unde- 
served praise is given to General Fremont and Commodore Stockton at the ex- 
pense of the prompt, brilliant and successful performance of duty by this brave, 
patriotic and gallant officer, and which is not borne out by the official data, as 
you will see. 

"The statement made by H. H. Bancroft, in his 'Chronicles of the Builders,' 
Vol. II., pages 184 and 1S5, is one in which the acts of Commodore Sloat are dis- 
credited in the favor of others of his self-appointed heroes. Again, in a sketch 
of the life of Stockton, published by Derby and Jackson, New York, 1856, the 
old Commodore is spoken of as 'an old-fashioned sailor, content with the per- 
formance of his duty on his own element, and not desiring to carry war on land, 
and laudatory of Stockton's sense of duty,' whereas you will find from the official 
records that Sloat not only had accomplished the work prior to Stockton's ar- 
rival, but actually sent that officer on shore to command the forces there, and 



Life of Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat 103 

had planued for further operations. His health breaking down, he, in accordance 
with previous permission from the Navy Department, voluntarily turned over the 
command lo Stockton before Shubrick, his regular relief, arrived. 

"That his acts were fully approved by the Secretary, and no censure was ever 
sent him, is proved by the Secretary's oflBcial report of the operations in the 
Pacific. The facts of the case are highly in favor of Commodore Sloat; for at 
the time his squadron was Ijing in the harbor at Mazatlan, where also was aa 
English squadron awaiting anxiously news of hostilities, and ready at the first 
move to pounce upon California, where British agents were at work upon the 
Legislature to obtain the most valuable portion of the public lands. Sloat re- 
ceived the news by a special courier in advance of the English Commander, that 
the Mexicans had invaded the territory of the United States across the Rio 
Grande, and, in accordance with his confidential instructions, immediately got 
under way and sailed for the coast of Monterey and took possession of the coun- 
try, and hoisted the flag of the United States over Monterey, several days before 
the English fleet came in. 

"This prompt action on his part not only prevented the English squadron 
from active measures, but was, beyond doubt, the means of frustrating the legis- 
lative designs with the British agents, and secured that valuable territory to the 
United States, whatever may have been accomplished after. The die had been 
cast and the victory after made an easy task. 

"You will find all the ofiScial reports, correspondence and data that fully en- 
dorse Commodore Sloat, in House Executive Documents, 2d Session of the 29th 
Congress, Vol. I., Doc. No. 4, pp. 378 and 379, and pp. 640 to 675, inclusive. 
Also, House Executive Documents, 2d Session, 30th Congress, Vol. I., Doc. No. 
I, commencing on page 1,006. 

"I am, respectfully yours, 

"(Signed): Lucien Young, 

"Lieutenant U. S. Navy. 
"Senator George C. Perkins, U. S. Senate." 

[Note. — The positive information received by Sloat was not by 
special courier, but a letter by mail from Surgeon Wood at the City of 
Mexico, "sent under cover to a subject of a neutral power," as he 
states, and which Commodore Sloat received on June 7, 1846, and he 
sailed for Monterey the next day.] 

As stated by the Hon. C. E. S. Wood, of Portland, Oregon, the 
son of Fleet Stirgeon Wm. Maxwell Wood, in his letter to us written 
at Portland, Oregon, June 25, 1896: 

"You are entirely and indisputably correct in your defense of Sloat, and it is 
an outrage that any defense should be needed." 

But we will close this Chapter here and open the next, as no fur- 
ther vindication is needed. 



I04 lyiFE OF Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 



CHAPTER IX. 

On October 23, 1846, Commodore Sloat reported his return from 
the command of the Pacific Squadron; and three weeks afterwards, on 
November 14, 1846, was ordered to special duty at New York and 
Philadelphia, at which he was engaged a little more than two months 
and a half, when, on March 6, 1847, ^^ was detached, awaiting orders, 
for over nine months, but he was not idle. What he had done at Mon- 
terey in landing there and taking possession of California was to be 
repeated on a vastly larger scale by General Scott and Commodore 
Perry at Vera Cruz, on the 9th of March, 1847. His experience was 
valuable to them, and General Scott had the benefit and knowledge of 
what was done at Monterey, California, by personal intercourse with 
Commodore Sloat just before partaking of his "hasty plate of soup," 
when he. General Scott, took his departure for Mexico. 

Commodore Sloat watched the events that were rapidly transpiring 
in Mexico with the most intense interest until the capture of the Capital 
of that country, on the 14th of September, 1847, after the most hotly 
contested series of battles for the long period of six months from the 
time of the successful landing of General Scott's Army at Vera Cruz, 
when that City w^as captured, on March 28, 1847, and followed by the 
brilliant victories of Cerro Gordo, Contreras, Cherubusco, Molino del 
Rey, Chapultepec, and the City of Mexico itself, and the quit-claim 
deed to California, New Mexico and all that vast territory, an empire 
wdthin itself, was ceded to the United States forever. Commodore Sloat 
secured the animal by the tail, so he could not get away without losing 
it; while Generals Taylor and Scott seized it by the horns and threw it 
to the ground. In this instance, the hind-quarters proved to be the 
best meat. 

On January 19, 1848, Commodore Sloat was ordered to command 
the navy yard and station at Norfolk, Virginia, where he was engaged 
three years in the line of his duty with his usual assiduity and fidelity, 
when, on February i, 1851, he was detached and placed on waiting 
orders. 

On January 17, 1852, he was appointed senior member of a board 
to locate a navy yard in California, and so he revisited the "Golden 
State," the jewel which he had acquired for the Union, the brightest 
and most costl}^ gem and firmly set in a cluster of stars in the coronet 
on the brow of Columbia. Here some of his old friends met and en- 
tertained him, while he entertained them. At that time he located the 
navy j^ard at Mare Island, and made the terms for the purchase by the 



Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat 105 

U. S. Government, which was made on January 4, 1853, from George 
W. P. Bissell, W. H. Aspinwall and Mary S. McArthur, the price paid 
being $83,491.00, and containing about nine hundred acres. 

Commodore Sloat laid out the original plans of the navy yard there, 
and in 1872 the tracing of those plans bearing his signature were in 
the office of the Civil Engineer of the Mare Island Navy Yard. 

After having performed this duty, he returned to the East, and on 
December 14, 1852, he was detached and placed on waiting orders; but 
did not have to wait long, for the very next day, December 15, 1852, 
he was ordered to special duty under the Bureau of Construction, where 
lie was constantly engaged for three years, when, on September 27, 
1855, he was detached and placed on the Reserved List. 

During his time he was employed as Superintendent of the con- 
struction of the famous "Stevens Battery" at Hoboken, New Jersey, 
and Superintendent of the U. S. mail steamships sailing out of New 
York, in which connection he was well known by the merchants and 
others who met him daily in the streets of that city, who could not fail 
to be impressed by his active and genial temperament (when off duty), 
and his fine business qualities. 

The War of the Rebellion breaking out in 1861, and be being in- 
tensely loyal to the flag under which he had sailed for sixty-one years, 
his advice and counsel was much sought after by the Secretary of the 
Navy and President Lincoln, "and he was ready for sea service if only 
a ship was given him.' ' At that time he was a very quiet-looking per- 
son, scarcely five feet six inches high (the height of Napoleon). He 
dressed in plain black clothes, and though a little short of eighty years, 
he did not appear to be over fifty. His hair was thick and almost white. 

On August 2, 1862, he was promoted to Commodore on the Retired 
List from July 16, 1862, and was No. i on the List. 

On August 6, 1866, he was commissioned as Rear Admiral on the 
Retired List, and credited on the Register with seventeen years and five 
months sea service, with active engagements in battle under Decatur in 
the war with Great Britain, participating in the capture of the "Mace- 
donian" frigate, sweeping the seas of pirates in the West Indies, pro- 
tecting American interests along the coasts of South America and 
Mexico, and acquiring possession of California by hoisting the Ameri- 
can flag at Monterey, on July 7, 1846, in strict compliance with the 
orders of the U. S. Government. 

Immediately upon his promotion as Rear Admiral upon the Retired 
List, Sloat spent his last days in a quiet way at his residence at New 
Brighton, New Jersej', serenely resting in the bosom of his famil}^ until 
he gently passed away on November 28, 1867, aged 86 years, 4 months 
and 2 days, mourned by a host of friends, who greatly deplored his 



io6 Life of Rkar-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

loss, for his qualities of mind and heart were snch as to endear him tO' 
all who enjoyed his acquaintance. 

THE FUNERAL. 

We copy the following from a New York paper of December ist: 

"The Funerai, of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat. 

"The funeral of this veteran oflEicer took place from his late residence, New 
Brighton, Staten Island, yesterday afternoon. 

"The body was placed in a beautiful rosewood coffin, richly mounted with, 
heavy silver plate, bearing the inscription: 

^ear-^t^ntirttl ^ohn ^vake ^laat 

UNITED STATES NAVY 
Aged 86 Years, 4 Months and 2 Days 



"On the coffin was placed a wreath, cross and anchor, formed of rich flowers.. 
The body was dressed in the full uniform of an Admiral. 

"About one o'clock, the friends and neighbors of the deceased had collected, 
and soon after the full service for the dead, according to the ritual of the Pro- 
testant Episcopal Church, was then read by the Rev. P. Irving, of New Brighton. 
The coffin was then removed to the hearse, the pall-bearers being Admirals 
Stringham and Bell, Captains Almey, Ammen, Nichols, Surgeon Smith, Com- 
mander Roe of the Navy, and Mr. Wm. Pendleton. 

"These were followed by Warrington and John D. Sloat, Jr., sons of the de- 
ceased; Hon. John McKeon, son-in-law, and Dr. J. S. Westervelt, as chief 
mourners. 

"The funeral cortege comprised about twenty carriages, containing friends of 
the deceased and chief mourners, several private vehicles, and a number of his 
neighbors on foot. 

"The funeral party went on board the two o'clock boat from Quarantine, and 
reached the foot of Whitehall street at three o'clock. They were met there by 
about thirty members of the St. Nicholas Lodge, No. 321, of F. & A. M., of New 
York, of which he was a member. 

"They then crossed the South Ferry. On their arrival at the other side, a 
battalion of marines was drawn up iu a line with presented arms, and the band 
playing a Dead March to receive them. The battalion comprised four companies 
under command of Captain Baker, assisted by Captain Squire, First Lieutenant 
Stillman, Brevet Captain Maske and Lieutenant Waller, commanding companies, 
with Lieutenant J. B. Brun, Adjutant. 

"After the marines came the St. Nichoals Lodge, No. 321, F. & A. M., and 
members of the Tompkins Lodge, F. & A, M., in carriages; 

"Pall-bearers in carriages; 

"Hearse draped in black; 

"Chief mourners in carriages; 

"Private carriages. 

"In this order the procession reached Greenwood Cemetery. At the entrance, 
the marines wheeled into columns by fours, and headed the procession in the 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 107 

same order to the grave, where they formed an opened square and rested on their 
arms. 

"Masonic honors with appropriate ceremonies were paid to the remains, 
Brother Van, Master of the St. Nicholas Lodge, No. 321, F. & A. M., officiating. 

"The battalion of marines fired three volleys over the remains, when the 
ceremonies were concluded and the cortege of mourners slowly passed out of 
the 'City of the Dead.'" 

His widow survived him about eleven years, for she, too, lived to 

the ripe age of eighty-three years, and died on , 1878. Her 

funeral was attended only by her immediate family relations, and the 
services were performed by the Rev. Dr. Mulcahy, in Old St. Paul's 
Protestant Episcopal Church. He was the Assistant Minister of Trinity 
Parish. The remains were followed to the family plat in Greenwood 
Cemetery, and she sleeps beside her companion, whom she married in 
1 813, when she was 18 years old and he 32. They celebrated their 
Golden Wedding on November 27, 1864, and four more years were 
added to their married life, when he was summoned to the Upper Har- 
bor, where his anchor of hope held fast within the vale, ending in 
eternal fruition, and where she for eleven years afterwards was left 
behind like the sloop-of-war "Warren" at Mazatlan to bring him later 
news, after he had safely made and secured the port. 

Such is the record of the life of one of our country's bravest and 
most faithful naval officers, who, by strict obedience to his orders, 
added an empire in territory to the United States, out of whose moun- 
tains, gulches and rivers were to come a billion and a half of gold, 
enriching the world, financially giving credit to and saving the Union 
in its hour of dire distress and calamity and threatened dissolution. 

Solomon speaks of one, "Now there was found in it a poor wise 
man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered 
that same poor man." So for more than half a century neither the 
people of California, who breathe its unrivaled air, enjoy its grand 
scenery and matchless climate; who have made their living and amassed 
their wealth from its prolific soil and exhaustless resources; its armies 
of civil officers and legislative representatives in the halls of its Legis- 
lature and in the Capitol of the Nation ; ' ' yet no man remembered that 
same poor man, who saved the city by his wisdom;" in other words, 
the gallant John Drake Sloat, who raised the American flag at Mon- 
terey, on July 7, 184.6, and secured California, the "Golden State," to 
the Nation, and gave us all our homes. 

Not a county, not a city or town, and but one street, so far as we 
have heard, has ever been named in his honor, and even that was 
robbed from him and changed ; it having been named by Lieut. 
Washington Bartlett, U. S. N., when Alcalde of San Francisco, on the 



io8 Life of Rear-Admirai. John Drake Si.oat 

■earliest map, and changed to Sansome Street afterwards. Onlj^ a little 
old one-horse fire engine (which is or was at Mare Island Navy Yard, 
which he located and laid out) is named for him. Fremont, Mont- 
gomery, Kearny and Mason have been honored, but no one remembered 
Sloat or Riley. 

His portrait, which he had painted in Panama before he took pos- 
session of California, hangs in the gallery of the Pioneer Building, the 
latter the gift of James Lick to the Pioneers, and the Annual Election 
of Officers is held on the 7th of July, the anniversary of the raising of 
the American flag at Monterey; but otherwise he is forgotten, except 
by a few who are Veterans of the Mexican War, who, with a few ap- 
preciative Pioneers over the State, and other patriotic citizens, organ- 
ized the "Sloat Monument Association of California," to erect a monu- 
ment in his honor at Monterey, with others, and of whom we make 
mention in the latter part of this work. 

We cannot close this Chapter without speaking further of his faith- 
ful aide-de-camp, who has been before mentioned herein, and whom we 
had known more than half a century. 

MIDSHIPMAN WILLIAM P. TOLER. 

We here give in brief the further account of his life as he related it 
to us himself, and is interesting. 

Commodore Sloat had turned over his command to Commodore 
Stockton, and sailed for Panama in the "Levant" on his return to 
report at Washington, and Midshipman Toler was ordered to duty on 
shore, to aid in the direction of the construction of an earthwork with 
a block-house, which was named "Fort Mervine," in honor of Captain 
Wm. Mervine, commanding the frigate "Savannah." 

The block-house was two stories in height, ' and equipped with three 
42-pounders, and pierced with loopholes for musketry. The remains 
of this block-house and the earthworks are still to be seen, and were 
verified by him in person to us at Monterey in July. 1896. The iron 
bolts and hooks were forged on the "Savannah" by the ship's black- 
smiths, and Toler recognized them. When completed, he was put in 
command of this fort; but when off duty he made short trips into the 
adjacent country; and speaking Spanish fluently, his native tongue, 
his mother having been a Venezuelan lady, he readily became acquainted 
with the native Spanish Californians in the vicinity. W^hile making 
these short trips for the purchase of supplies, it gave him the opportu- 
nity of learning the sentiments of that people. 

During one of his trips, he learned that on a certain night the foit 
■was to be surprised, the garrison slaughtered or made prisoners, and 



OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE SLOAT MONU- 
MENT ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA. 






COL. JOSEPH STEWART, U. S. A. (Retired ) 
Residence, Berkeley, Cal. 
President of the Sloat Monument Association. 
^Pi^esident of the A.ssociated Veterans of the Mexican 

anTw.r '°"^' '"^'thful and arduou. service in both peace 
prond of '"'' ^ "'°^' honorable record, to be 



HON. WILMAM M. BOGGS, 
Ok Napa, Cal. 

alfon"' Th'e'K^v^fr^'" ■','"'*'" ''}'"'' Monument Associ- 
alion Thet. St Councilmantf Sonoma. Cal. i8si-S2 =;^ 
W^^"l\°^ "'^ Mexican War, serving n Ca iforn.a H 
1S46 47. A Masler Mason. Member ol thi KxecutiveCom 
m.tteeol the Sloat Monument Ass. ciation. w"s present 
at Sonoma at the Celebration, held June 14th ,Sg6 





COL. SAMUEL W. BORING, P. M. K. T., 32° 

Forty-niner and Veteran of the Mexican War. Vife 
Sc^Coasl. ^^'°"''' ^'^^^'■^" Association of the 



MAJOR EDWIN A. SHERMAN, 33° 
Of Oakland, Cal. 
Secretary of the Sloat Monument Association, and 
mPnftfvT 1 '° locating the site for the Sloat Monn- 
VeW.L ^f° f'^y.v'^^ ■ Vice-President of the Associated 
Veterans of the Mexican War. R. V Grand Secrelarw 
the Masonic Veteran Association of he Pacific CoasT 
California Pioneer of May 24, 1S49. iMitor oi "Fmv 
Years of Masonry in California." ^ 





I 



BRO. SAMUEL WOLF, LEVY, 33° 

Treasurer of the Sloat Monument Association. Active 
member of the Masonic Veteran Association of the Pa- 
cific Coast. 



CAPT. THOMAS G. LAMBERT, P. M., K. T 

Of Monterey, Cal. 
Receiver of the SI oat Monument Association, and who 
assisted in the locating of the site for the Sloat Monu- 
ment, at Monterey, Cal. Past President of the Masonic 
Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast. 




GEN. T. E. KETCHAM, V. M. W. 

Marshal of the Sloat Monument Association. 



M.W.GEORGE CLEMENT PERKINS, P.G.M.,P.G.C. 

Past Grand Master, and' Past Grand Commander of Knights 
Templar, and Ex-Goveruor and present United States Senator of 
California. Tenth M. V. Grand President of the Masonic Veteran 
Association of the^Pacific Coast, 1S93 4-5. 



Life op Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 109 

the guns were then to be turned toward the town where troops at the 
headquarters were stationed. 

Toler returned to the fort and made preparations to receive the 
attacking party. His plan was to await the onslaught and then turn 
the surprise on the enemy by firing upon them at close range. Being 
the first time in command and on shore and not over 21 years of age, 
and no experi"ence in land warfare, he forgot to give his orders to the 
sentries not to fire until orders were given upon the near advance of 
the approaching enemy. 

The would-be surprisers, however, came on as expected, but when 
they appeared even dimly under cover of the night, the vigilant sentries 
observed them, and at the same time apprised the enemy of the discov- 
ery by firing their muskets! The enemy immediately retreated, which 
prevented their almost total destruction, as the guns in the block-house 
were 42-pounders and loaded with grape and cannister. 

From this fact alone, it will be seen that the enemy were all around 
Monterey, and that Commodore Sloat acted wiseh^ in his discretion 
and upon his own responsibilit}^ when he made his preparations ta 
resist attack, if any should be made when he landed his forces and 
raised the American flag at Monterey on the 7th of July before. 

Besides the log -of the "Savannah" which Toler kept, and that 
was signed by Commodore Sloat, and still in the hands of his widow, 
he retained several papers, and among them were the following, which 
we were shown by him in 1896. 

The first is a countersign, folded in the usual triangular manner,, 
and reads as follows: 



lleabquacters Isf Wrng. of JBccupafion 

Sept. 23D, 1846 

countersign: ''president." 

Wm. a. Maddox, 
Lt. Commanding at Monterey. 



The address on the back was, "Mr. Toler, Commanding U. S. Fort,. 
Monterey." 

The second read as follows: 

"Mr. Toler will please deliver to bearer the remainder of the cartridges be- 
longing to our guns, three pounds of priming powder, three pounds of rifle pow- 
der, and one keg of powder belonging to fort. 

"By order of C. H. Baldwin. 

"Headquarters, Oct. 4, 1846. 

"P. S. I should be much obliged to you if you could let me have a small cut 
of fuse." 



no Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

The next note is of a personal character, and is addressed to W. P. 
Toler, as Commandant at Fort Mervine, and was as follows: 

"Fort Mervine, Oct. 27, 1846. — Dear Toler: I am sorry I did not find you 
at home, as I am anxious to see you. Bus sent his best respects to you. I left 
him in good health at Mazatlan. Whit and Bus cut the brig out. He is in fine 
spirits. If this note should reach you before 4 o'clock, come down to McLane's 
room, as he told me to bring you there to dinner and come on board. I wish to 
chat. P. H. Haywood, 

"First Lieutenant Prize Brig." 

The reference to "cutting out the brig" brings into relief the promi- 
nence of the vessel with which Haywood was connected. The vessel 
had belonged to the Mexican Government at Mazatlan, where she was 
known by the Moorish name of the "Malek-Adel." One night she lay 
far in toward shore, where she could not be reached by the large boats. 
"Bus" (Crane) and "Whit" (Whitaker), referred to by Haywood, 
which were familiar names for two officers of the Navy, with a corps of 
^Nii. trusty seamen, surprised the brig's crew, cut a channel around her on 
the inside, got her into deep water, and towed her out as a captured 
prize. 

This episode is only one of the many deeds of daring which dis- 
tinguished the American Navy of those times, and set the example for 
equal and more brilliant deeds in after years. 

These little notes were written on rough Mexican cigarette paper, 
and old as they are, for they are still preserved, attest the right of Mr. 
Toler to the distinction of having been a prominent figure in those ex- 
citing times when the Golden State of California was secured for the 
Union, when otherwise, with the delay of a few weeks, she would have 
been absorbed by Great Britain, and would have added to the pos- 
sessions of that empire one of the finest sea coasts known to naviga- 
tion, and one of the richest spots of earth. 

When Commodore Biddle arrived, Mr. Toler was relieved from land 
service with the rest of the Navy contingent. He tendered his resig- 
nation, but Biddle would not accept it, and he returned with him home 
to Washington. He there was determined to resign and return to Cali- 
fornia, and he could not be dissuaded from it. Cupid may have influ- 
enced him in his decision. 

Seeing that he was determined to resign, as it would save him great 
expense in those days, he was recommended to have his resignation take 
effect on his arrival in California. Toler came around the Horn again 
in the sloop-of-war "St, Mary's," which anchored at Sausalito, and his 
navy service was at end. 

He described his termination to us as follows: 

Just as the ship had come to an anchor, he went below, and divided 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat hi 

iis uniform, sword and belt with other equipment with his messmates 
among the other Midshipmen. His trunk was packed, and he dressed 
in citizen's clothes, and, wearing a plug hat, approached the Com- 
mander of the ship to pay his respects, and ask for a boat to convey 
him across the Bay to San Francisco. The Commander started back 
in surprise and viewed him as a citizen stranger who had in some un- 
accountable manner come aboard the ship. After scanning and quiz- 
zing him a little, the Commander grasped his hand heartily, regretted 
that he was about to lea^•e his ship and the naval service, and wished 
him every success in his future career. He shook hands all around, 
and there was some salt water in the eyes of the "Middies" that did 
not come from the spray of the Ba5^ 

His trunk was already in the boat, and he followed it, taking his 
seat, and when the commands were given to "shove off" and "give 
way," Toler swung his plug hat, and singing out, "Good-bye to all," 
was rowed to San Francisco, where he was landed, and the seamen 
carried his trunk to the house where he was to stop. Bidding them also 
"good-bye," they returned to the ship, leaving him to his reflections. 

After leaving the naval service, his career was comparatively un- 
eventful, he having returned to civil life. With his father he went into 
the customs brokerage business, but afterw^ards became a translator in 
the Alcalde's office in San Francisco. For many years he engaged in 
various pursuits, but in 1876 he became an invalid, and was never 
afterwards able to engage actively in business. He was an exceed- 
ingly modest man and of a retiring disposition. Strong but quiet in 
his affections and friendships, while to gain his confidence and to ob- 
tain information was almost impossible, and unless he voluntarily gave 
the key of the combination, his breast was as secure as the vault of a 
safe deposit company. 

In 1852 he married Miss Maria Antonia Peralta, a beautiful daugh- 
ter of Don Ignacio Peralta, of the well-known Peralta family, of Ala- 
meda County, and by whom he had one son, J. Hoyt Toler, both of 
whom are still living at Oakland. 

After much entreaty, he consented to attend the celebration of the 
Semi Centennial Anniversary at Monterey, on July 7, 1896, of the 
taking possession of California by Commodore Sloat, and for the tliifd 
time to raise the American flag on the self-same, identical staff upon 
the old Custom House, a full account of which will be found herein 
later on. He would not even have done that, in his then feeble state 
of health, but another individual, resident at Monterey, who was an 
English youth in the American naval service, an apprentice boy or 
young landsman in the "Savannah," pretended to and claimed the 
honor of having hoisted it for Sloat, which was utterly false. This 



112 Life of Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat 

roused Toler's indignation, and he consented to again raise the Ameri- 
can flag for the third time, where he had fifty-four years before, on the 
19th of October, 1842. hoisted it by order of Commodore Thomas Ap 
Catesby Jones, and fifty years before, when acting as Signal Officer 
under Commodore Sloat. 

His health continuing to fail and when near his end, he expressed 
the desire that we should act as one of the pall-bearers whom he had 
selected of his immediate friends. 

He died at his residence No. 5^6 Albion street, Oakland, on Jan- 
uary 24, 1899. Word was immediately telegraphed by us to Captain 
Thomas G. Lambert at Monterey to hoist the American flag at half- 
mast upon the old Custom House, w^hich was done. His funeral was a 
quiet and unostentatious one from his late residence to the church, on 
January 26, 1899, at 8:30 a. m. The colors drooped at half-mast from 
the City and County Buildings, over stores as well as private resi- 
dences. The pall-bearers were W. G. Palmanteer, Vice-President of 
the Central Bank, and Charles Palmer; Majors Edwin A. Sherman and 
John T. Bromley, representing the Veterans of the Mexican War and 
Pioneers; Clinton Westover. representing the merchants of the city: 
M. J. Laymance, President of the Laymance Real Estate Company, 
for the land-owners; and John Russ, of the Insurance Agency of that 
name; William W. Hoag, a Pioneer, and John F. Pinkham, Marshal 
of the Pioneers, were in attendance, and walked behind the mourners, 
followed by the representatives of other organizations. The casket was 
covered with the American flag, immortelles and a profusion of flowers, 
and the funeral cortege proceeded to the Church of the Immaculate 
Conception, where the funeral services were held. 

As the casket was borne up the aisle, the quartette of singers from 
the choir loft, Mrs. Langdon, Miss Bernett, Mr. Crandall and Mr. 
Auerbach, chanted softly a funeral hymn. A requiem high mass was 
then celebrated by Father King; the services being very solemn and 
impressive. The quartette rendered Wilcox's requiem and "Nearer, 
My God, to Thee," softly rolled forth from the organ, and when the 
music changed to the "Dead March in Saul," the cortege went slowly 

out. 

From the church the procession proceeded to St. Mary's Cemetery, 
where a prayer was said by the resident priest, and the body of William 
Pinkney Toler was laid in the bosom of its Mother Earth. Upon the 
new mound were placed the beautiful floial offerings that were the 
gifts of the family and intimate friends; a column of white of full 
height, a sickle with wholly ripe grain, a cross of violets, and other fit- 
ting emblems of a life against which nothing can be said, and which. 



Life of Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat 113 

terminated in the allotted time of man's existence of three-score and 
ten years, with three additional thereto. 

Mrs. Toler, the widow, was attended by her only son, Mr. J. Hoyt 
Toler, who received the full sympathy of the friends of her deceased 
husband and family. 

It is appropriate that we here mention the singular facts almost 
coincidental, that there were three deaths within three days of distin- 
guished men of history of our Golden State of California, who were 
intimate with each other. 

The first was Ex-Governor Romualdo Pacheco, who had been State 
Treasurer, Lieutenant-Governor, Governor, Congressman, and U. S. 
Minister to Guatemala, who died on Monday night, January 23, 1899, 
at Oakland, and was buried with military and Masonic honors in 
Mountain View Cemetery, in which we participated, having been ac- 
quainted with him for nearly fifty years. 

The second, on Tuesday, January 23, 1899, Captain John Ruurds, 
at the County Hospital of Monterey County. He was 85 years old, 
and arrived in Monterey Bay from Valparaiso, Chile, in command of 
his own ship, in 1841. His ship afterwards foundered, but the wheat- 
load was saved, and thereafter the natives called him "Captain Trigo." 
He was a native of Belgium, and among the first to welcome the army 
of invasion during the Mexican War. In 1896, when the American 
flag was hoisted over the old Custom House at Monterey, he was present 
and participated. He was permitted to occupy quarters there until his 
last illness, surrounded by feline friends and numerous relics, one being 
the table on which the first Constitution of the State w^as drafted and 
signed. Captain Ruurds w^as quite a linguist, speaking Belgian, French, 
German, Spanish, Italian, English, Portuguese and several other lan- 
guages. Until prostrated, he was sprightly and vigorous for one of 
his extreme age, and was often seen on the streets of the old Capital. 
He was so prominently known, that in Gertrude Atherton's novel, 
"Patience Sparhawk," he is made to take the character of John Foord. 
Although a native of Belgium, the Captain became a citizen of the 
United States in July, 1858, in the Third Judicial District for Monterey. 
He w^as for over forty years a Notary Public and Conveyancer. The 
funeral was under the care of his friend, Thomas Doud, of Monterey, 
a brave soldier, a Veteran of the Florida Indian War and of the Mexi- 
can War, in which latter he was severely wounded at the battle of 
Cerro Gordo, April 17, 1847, and who for the last twenty five years 
has been the Custodian of the U. S. Military Reservation at Monterey. 

William P. Toler, as already stated, also passing away on the same 
day. 

It will be proper here to give the Naval Record of the late 



114 Life of Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat 

SURGEON-GENERAL WILLIAM MAXWELL W^OOD. 

He was appointed from Maryland, May i6, 1829. Entered the ser- 
vice as Assistant Surgeon, Navy Yard, Pensacola, 1 830-1. 

Schooner "Grampus," West India Squadron, 1832-3. 

Special dut}', 1834-7. 

Commissioned as Surgeon, February 20, 1838. Steamer "Poinsett," 
Home Squadron, 1838-42. Served at that time in cooperation with 
the Army in the Seminole War. 

Naval Station, Baltimore, 1843. 

Fleet Surgeon, Pacific Station, 184 1-6. [In this period he incurred 
the perilous service heretofore referred to.] 

Receiving Ship "Baltimore," 1847-8. 

Steamer "Michigan," on the Lakes, 1850-51. 

Naval Station, Sackett's Harbor, N. Y., 1853-5. 

Fleet Surgeon, East India Station, 1856-8. [During this service, 
taking part in the Chinese War on board the flagship, partici- 
pating in the brilliant capture (by Commodore Armstrong and the late 
Admiral, Commander Foote) of the four Barrier Forts, on the Can- 
ton River, of which Admiral Seymour, R. N., in his report to the Ad- 
miral, writes in the following terms under date of December 14, 1856: 
"The American ships-of-war completed the destruction of the Barrier 
Forts on the 6th, and dropped down to Whampoa. These forts were 
of enormous strength and solidity, being entirely built of large blocks 
of granite, with walls nine or ten feet thick. They were heavil>^ 
armed, many of their guns being seven or eight tons weight with a 
bore of thirteen inches; one brass 8 ^2 -inch gun was over twenty-one 
feet long.] 

Steamer "Michigan," on the Lakes, 1859-61. 

Fleet Surgeon, North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, during the 
Rebellion; participating on board the flagship "Minnesota," in the 
first battle of the "Ironclads," that of the "Monitor" with the "Mer- 
rimac," and three vessels of the Confederate Squadron, in Hampton 
Roads; also, in the capture of Sewell's Point. 

Baltimore, 1866-7. 

Chief of Bureau ot Medicine and Surgery, 1870. 

Retired, 1871. 

Died, 1 88 1. 

[From the Records of Living Officers of the U. S. Navy and Marine 
Corps, 1890. Records of Distinguished Ofiicers, who served in the 
War for the Preservation of the Union, and who have died since 1870. 
Fourth Edition, L. R. Hammersly & Co., Philadelphia, 1890, pp. 
472-3-] 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 115 

We will here remark, it is no wonder that Admiral Seymour, of the 
British Navy, "■hesitated'^ about following Sloat up too close after the 
latter had sailed from Mazatlan for the purpose of taking possession of 
California and hoisting the American flag at Monterey. He knew the 
metal of the U. S. Navy, and if he had any doubts before, after the 
destruction of the Chinese Barrier Forts on the Canton River, where he 
witnessed what Commodore Foote did, he had none thereafter, and 
to whom he gave full tribute and honest praise. 

It was on that occasion when the vessels of both nations combined, 
and where Commodore Foote gave expression to that remarkable 
laconic phrase that has since become proverbial, "Blood is thicker 
than water!" when, seeing that the British sailors were becoming ex- 
hausted in working their heavy guns, reinforced them by volunteer 
American seamen from his own squadron, who relieved them and gave 
John Bull's sea calves a chance to rest. 

It will not be out of place to give the following brief account of the 
operations of the Pacific Squadron on the western coast of Mexico, 
after California had been safely secured by the occupation of the U. S. 
Navy and Army, and we take the sketch given by Colonel Marvin 
Wheat from his "Travels on the Western Slope of the Mexican Cor- 
dillera," published in 1857, i^^ which he says: 

"During the Mexican War, while the Americans held possession of Mazatlan, 
from the eleventh of November, 1847, till the close of hostilities, peace, plenty 
and a good administration of the laws reigned here under the influence of the 
United States Squadron, which consisted of the frigates 'Independence,' 'Con^ 
gress," sloop-of-war 'Cyaue,' and the transport 'Iris,' under the command of Com- 
modore Shubrick, afterwards relieved by Commodore Jones, who arrived in the 
line-of-battleship 'Ohio' of seventy-four guns. Mazatlan, at this time, was under 
the command of Colonel Tallez, a Mexican officer; but not having a sufficient 
force to retain his position, he evacuated the city and left it to protect itself the 
best it could on being summoned to surrender at eight o'clock a. m., the eleventh 
of November, 1S47, by Commodore Shubrick. Terms of capitulation and sur- 
render were agreed upon at one o'clock p. m. of the same day, when five hundred 
marines and sailors, with one hundred soldiers and four pieces of artillery, com- 
posed the division that took possession and occupied Mazatlan, without the sem- 
blance of opposition; and the next day, all the hills and eminences commanding 
the road to the interior, they seized and strengthened with heavy ordnance. 

"Afterwards some slight skirmishes occurred between the Americans and 
Mexicans not far from the city, but of no great advantage or consequence to 
either party. 

"The frigate 'Congress' and sloop-of-war 'Portsmouth,' under the command of 
Captain Lavallette, had taken Guaymas on the twentieth of October, after a 
severe fire, continuing nearly an hour, doing considerable damage to the town 
and killing and wounding a number of Mexicans. The American Squadron, 
under Commodore Shubrick, and afterwards Commodore Jones, blockaded and 
occupied all the Mexican towns of any importance in the Gulf of California and 
on the Pacific Coast from October, 1S47, till ihe termination of the Mexican War 



ii6 Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat 

A military Governor, Custom House officers and other subordiuate officials were 
appointed at Mazatlau by the Commodore, and every precaution required with 
reference to the distribution of justice and a due execution of the laws made for 
the public good, which wisdom and discretion under the peculiar circumstances 
of holding a conquered city could reasonably suggest, was resorted to and duly 
exercised on this occasion. In front of the town, there was always a portion of 
the Squadron to act in concert with the force on land, and this had the desired 
effect to preserve good order in the city. 

"I have been told by good authority that the period of the American holding 
possession of the city was that of almost absolute peace, which inspired the 
community with energy and renewed activity. Foreign duties were greatly 
diminished, and those inland were expunged from the code of the municipal laws. 
Fair prices were paid for all the provisions and necessaries required by the Ameri- 
cans while here in sovereignty, — and strict justice to native Mexicans, as well as 
to American seamen and soldiers, was equally administered, without favor or 
solicitation. 

"When peace was declared in the year 1848, and the Americans were about to 
leave the town and let the former laws and regulations with all their iron rigor 
assume their wonted sway, there was in this foreign community a spirit of regret, 
which arose in rebuke of their exit. As the seamen and soldiers, with their 
respective' officers, were leaving the fort and marching to the water's edge for 
embarkation, and the military about to be exchanged for the civil authority, the 
porticos, the housetops, and every place presenting to the eye a sight, were occu- 
pied by the old and the young, the fair and the homely, the beautiful and the 
ugly, the maimed, deaf and the blind, the wise and the ignorant, to catch a fare- 
well glance at the conservators of peace as they marched near them, playing that 
commemorative air, 'Sweet Home!' 

"Then the white handkerchief was gracefully waved in token of regret, and a 
silent tear graced the flushed cheek, in commemoration of this departing scene." 

We may here remark that it was the same when the American 
Army evacuated the Capital and other cities and towns of Mexico, for 
the same rules were enforced and good order everywhere prevailed dur- 
ing the American occupation, and the people were protected and con- 
tented. 

Colonel Wheat further relates the following concerning General 
Castro, who fled from California to Mexico in 1846, before the forces 
under Fremont: 

"Recently, I have made the acquaintance of General Castro, of Monterey, in 
the State of California, and also his Private Secretary. It appears from his own 
statement, and that of a highly respectable gentlemen of this city, that the Presi- 
dent, General Comonfort, appointed, through favor, General Castro Governor of 
Lower California, not long since, and in January, 1856, he came down to this city, 
intending to go over to La Paz, the seat of government of Lower California, and 
assume the reins of government. In this respect, he has found himself cocsider- 
ably foiled, and, perhaps, entirely defeated in that object; for the Acting Gov- 
ernor of Lower California is an ambitious and go-ahead man, who, having risen 
from the trade of a common hatter, within a few years, to his present condition, 
would not be found willing to yield his position of honor, and the easy means of 
accumulating wealth, without an effort to retain it, and prejudice the Lower Cali- 



Life of Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat 117 

fornians against Castro. Therefore, General Castro has recently written to the 
Mexican Government, at the City of Mexico, touching the course he should pur- 
sue, and the means he should use, to obtain his new appointment. As yet I have 
not been informed as to the result of the contest of these two gentlemen to the 
government of L,ower California." 

If General Castro got angry with Fremont, he must have become 
' 'as mad as a hatter, ' ' when the hatter Governor of Lower California 
insisted successfully in retaining his office. 

The treaty of peace between the United States and Mexico was • 
concluded on February 2, 1848, ratified at Washington March 10, 1848, 
at Queretaro May 30, 1848, and the Proclamation of President James 
K. Polk signed and declared on the 4th of July, 1848, which ceded 
California, New Mexico and the territory of Arizona, Nevada, Utah, 
Colorado and Wyoming, equal in extent to all of the United States 
east of the Mississippi River, excepting the State of Wisconsin. Such 
was the trophy of the Veterans of the Mexican War, whose valor 
added an empire of countless wealth to the domain of the American 
Republic. 

As in recent events, unlooked-for changes and results by reason of 
the late war with Spain, and as we do not know where the American 
flag may be carried and planted next, it may not be inappropriate to 
give the following strange and somewhat amusing account of 

HOW THE BRITISH TROOPS FOUGHT UNDER THE 
AMERICAN FLAG IN IRELAND! 

Which is related by Rear Admiral George Henry Preble, U. S. N., on 
pages 303-4-5-6, in his "History of the Flag of the United States of 
America," etc.: 

"In 1790, a rather singular incident in connection with the Stars and Stripes 
happened at Londonderry, in Ireland. Mr. Lemuel Cox, who had gained consid- 
erable reputation as the builder of the bridge connecting Boston with Charlestown , 
Mass., went to England, where he contracted for and built several bridges on the 
same general plan; among others, for a bridge across the Foyle, at Londonderry, 
■where the river was nearly one thousand feet wide, and the water forty feet deep 
at high water, — an engineering feat which had been pronounced by English engi- 
neers impracticable. However, with twenty Bostonians and a few laborers, Mr. 
Cox set to work and completed this bridge, consisting of fifty-eight arches, all of 
American oak, in four months. Not a log of the wood was imported before the 
1st of May, and the bridge was completed in November. The cost was about 
^15,000." [Murray's Handbook of Ireland says: "It was a great curiosity, 
being 1,068 feet long and 40 feet wide, and laid on oak piles, the pieces of which 
were 16 feet asunder, bound together by thirteen string pieces, equally divided 
and transversely bolted. It is now superseded by a new bridge costing ^100,000, 
which serves both for the Northern Counties Railway and a public road. In 
Jlall's Ireland, vol. iii, p. 212, Cox's bridge is described, and a view of it given."] 

"The bridge being completed, or nearly so, on the 22d of November, 1790, Mr. 



ii8 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

Cox gave the people leave to pass over it free, in order to save them the expense 
of ferriage; and the first dav that persons were admitted to pass over, with the 
consent of the authorities, he hoisted the American flag in the midst of it, with- 
out the smallest intention of giving the least offense. This proceeding was looked 
upon in an innocent point of view, until about four o'clock in the afternoon, 
when detachments from the Fortieth Regiment, under the command of the 
Mayor, marched to the bridge, and a desperate affray ensued, the American flag 
flying all the time. The workmen were all Bostoniaus, who, in the very teeth of 
the magistracy and soldiery, cut, with their axes, the entry to the bridge open, in 

order to let the people pass. Three men, viz., Cunningham, of Dollartown, 

a master weaver; Alexander Reed, weaver, and McL/aughlin, a laborer, were 

killed, and several severely wounded. During the whole action, the army fought 
under the thirteen stripes; and, what is very extraordinary, an officer fired the 
first shot. 

"This was undoubtedly the first action fought in Ireland under the Stars and 
Stripes, and probably the last. Mr. Cox was taken to the jail for safekeeping 
from the fury of the populace, and that the disturbance lasted for several days, is 
evident from the following notice issued by the Mayor three days later: 

" 'Common Hai,l. 

'"The Mayor requests the citizens of 'Derry may meet him this day at twelve 
o'clock, in the town hall, in order to consider of such measures as may be deemed, 
necessary to maintain the laws and preserve the public tranquility. 

" 'Tuesday Morning, Nov. 25, 1790.' 

"The cause of the riot is not so clear, as there are several versions of it, though 
all agree that the American flag was hoisted over the bridge, and in the number 
of killed and wounded. It seems to have been an Irish shindy. The 'Columbian 
Centinel' of March 19, 1791, in commenting upon it, says: 'Upon enquiry, we 
find Mr. Cox received orders from the Mayor and corporation of 'Derry, to open 
the bridge on the day mentioned, for the benefit of the people, and, as the work- 
men and timber were American, permitted him to display upon the bridge the 
American flag. The novelty of these circumstances drew together a large con- 
course of people. The watermen who were thus thrown out of business collected 
in numbers to oppose the passing and lepassing of the people; this occasioned a 
fracas," etc. 

"Dater the 'Columbian Centinel' of May 3, 1791, contained extracts from an 
English paper, assigning the following as the causes of the disturbances, and 
which probably is a correct account of them: 'From the day that the communi- 
cation was opened by means of the bridge, an idea prevailed among the lower 
orders of the people that the passage was to be entirely free, and that no toll 
would be exacted. * * * For the first week, the corporation did not think it 
necessar)' to assert their right, and permitted a free passage. Unfortunately, this 
indulgence was misconstrued, and the populace confirmed in their opinion that 
there was no power to oblige them to pay toll. Under this idea, when the gate 
was erected for the purpose of collecting toll, the multitude, as they came to 
market, were discontented, and many, heated with liquor, refused to pay any toll. 
The Mayor, Sheriff and several Magistrates endeavored to persuade them from 
their illegal opposition; but the numbers increased, and they boldly proceeded 
down the toll-gate in spite of the Magistrates, who were obliged to call for a 
guard of soldiers, and, the riot increasing, to bring to their support nearly the 
whole of the Fortieth Regiment. The military, charging their bayonets, drove 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 119 

the rioters across the bridge to the waterside, but they had no sooner got upon 
the street than they turned about and gave battle to the soldiers with repeated 
volleys of stones and brickbats. Again the Magistrates entreated the rioters to 
disperse, and warned them of the fatal consequences of their outrages; but they 
continued the attack. At first, the military were ordered to fire in the air, then 
at the tops of houses; but the desperation of the mob increasing, the soldiers 
were ordered to level their muskets. About five in the evening the mob dis- 
persed.' 

"Mr. Cox returned to the United States, where he pursued his mechanical 
tastes, and in 1796 was granted one thousand acres of land in Maine by the Leg- 
islature of Massachusetts for his various inventions, and died at Charlestown, 
February iS, 1796." 

PASSING AND REPASSING OF SENIORITY IN RANK. 

As a matter of some interest by the way of comparison of how the 
five distinguished Commanders of the Pacific Squadron dtiring the war 
with Mexico passed and repassed each other in the line of promotion 
we insert the following: 

Sloat, Midshipman, Februarj' 12, 1800; 
Jones, Midshipman, November 22, 1S05; 

Shubrick, Midshipman, June 20, 1806; 

Mervine, Midshipman, January 16, 1809; 

Stockton, Midshipman, September i, 181 r. 

Jones, Captain, March 11, 1829; 
Shubrick, Captain, February 12, 1S31; 
Sloat, Captain, February 9, 1837; 
Stockton, Captain, December 8, 1838; 
Mervine, Captain, Septembers, 1841. 

Shubrick, Rear Admiral, July 16, 1862; 
Sloat, Rear Admiral, July 25, 1866; 
Mervine, Rear Admiral, July 25, 1866. 

Jones, died May 30, 1858; 

Stockton, died October 7, 1866, aged 71 years; 
Sloat, died November 28, 1S67, aged 86 years; 
Mervme, died September 15, 1868; 
Shubrick, died May 27, aged 83%2 years. 

ADDENDA TO THE ABOVE. 

Rodman M. Price was appointed Purser in the U. S. Navy, November 5, 1840. 
Resigned December 16, 1850. He read Commander Sloat's Proclamation at the 
hoisting of the American flag at Monterey on July 7, 1846. He returned to the 
Atlantic States and subsequently was elected Governor of New Jersey and has 
since deceased. 

Edward Higgins, Midshipman, January 23, 1836; Passed Midshipman, July i^ 
1842; Master, May 30, 1849; Lieutenant, August 20, 1849. Resigned February 
16, 1854. He gave personal assistance in hoisting the American flag at Monterey, 
July 7, 1S46. Since deceased. 



ISO Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat 

William P. Toler, Midshipman, October 19, 1841. Resigned December 12, 
1848. He hoisted the American flag at Monterey, October 19, 1842, by order of 
Commodore Thomas Ap Catesby Jones. On July 7, 1846, by order of Commodore 
John Drake Sloat; and on July 7, 1896, by request of Major Edwin A. Sherman, 
Chairman of the Committee of Arrangements of Associated Veterans of the 
Mexican War at the Celebration of the Golden Jubilee or Fiftieth Anniversary of 
the taking final possession of California and hoisting the American flag on the 
Old Custom House at Monterey by Commodore John Drake Sloat, July 7, 1846. 
He died at Oakland, California, January 24, 1899, as heretofore given. 

We cannot close this Chapter without giving the concluding brief 
mention and tribute to the memory of our friend, the late 

GENERAL MARIANO GUADALUPE VALLEJO. 

In the evening after the festivities of the Celebration of the Fortieth 
Anniversar}^ of the Raising of the American Flag at Monterey (which 
was his seventy-eighth birthda}-, on July 7, 1886, he having been born 
at Monterey, Cal., July 7, 1808), as we were walking among the beau- 
tiful trees which surround the palatial Del Monte Hotel, adjacent to the 
old Capitol, and talking of old times, he suddenl}- turned, and embrac- 
ing us as a father would his son, said, "Major Sherman, you are the 
only living man for whom I would have done what I did to-da3^ in 
hoisting the Spanish and Mexican flags on the old Custom House; but 
I appreciated your motive in thus representing the history of California 
from its state of solitude and Indian barbarism, when Spain first took 
possession until its occupation by the United States and its cession by 
treaty with Mexico. Here I was born and educated under the mon- 
archical flag of Spain, and saw it give way to that of the Republic of 
Mexico, under which, from my young manhood until the American 
occupation, I began and finished my military career; and then to be- 
come a citizen of the United States and not an English or French sub- 
ject of an European monarchy, my heart thrills with tender memories 
of the past, while I feel an unspeakable pride, in having here, on the 
very spot where I was born, aided in laying the foundations in the 
framing of a Constitution for the State of California and the land of my 
birth." 

We said to him, "Well, General Vallejo, you have lived and been 
under more flags and become a citizen of the United States without 
having to take out naturalization papers in California, than any man I 
ever knew or have heard of." At this he laughed outright, and re- 
plied, "Well, I never looked at it that way before, yet, nevertheless, it 
is a strange truth." After continuing our most pleasant interview for 
a short time, we returned to the Del Monte Hotel, and, embracing, 
parted from each other with mutual "Adios" and moistened eyes and 
never met each other again. 



Life of Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat 121 

General Vallejo was one of nature's noblemen, and the very best: 
kind-hearted, liberal, hospitable, patriotic, public-spirited, and the most 
forgiving in disposition of all of the Spanish race in California that we 
have ever seen or have any account. He deserves one of the grandest 
monuments that can be erected in this, our Golden and his Native 
State. 

Notwithstanding his capture by the Bear Flag Party and imprison- 
ment, and somewhat harsh treatment at Sutter's Fort, when he should 
have at once been paroled and permitted to return to his home, which 
was afterwards done when the American flag had been raised for some 
time; and seeing that the inevitable had come, he at once set to work 
to reconstruct his own fortunes and adapt himself to the changed con- 
dition of affairs. 

He welcomed the new Overland Immigration in the fall of 1846, and 
while the war with Mexico was in full blast. The most of the male 
portion, after providing for their families, rallied to the standard of 
Fremont Among those who came to Sonoma in November, 18.} 6, was 
Ex-Governor Lilburn vV. Boggs, with his family of eight children, who 
started with a passport from James Buchanan, then Secretary of State 
Governor Boggs was greeted by General Vallejo with the warmest wel- 
come, and settled at Sonoma, where he was made Alcalde of that Dis- 
trict. His son, the Hon. Wm. M. Boggs, with his wife, was given 
free occupation of the Petaloma Ranche, and told to help himself 
to cattle for meat and to horses to ride. This was formerly a 
military outpost (and its name being a compound of two Spanish 
words: petalo, a picket, and loma, a hill; in English, Picket Hill, where 
it was located on the western slope of the range that begins at Santa 
Rosa and ends at San Pablo Bay. Petalo also means a petal or flower 
leaf, and Peta/uma is also a compound word derived from petalo and 
humar, the exhalation, perfume, smoke or incense of flowers). 

It was at this ranch where the young wife of Hon. Wm. M. Boggs, 
soon after their arrival, gave birth to a young son; and while the latter, 
in extreme infancy, was supposed to be dying, General Vallejo had a 
sheep quickly killed and stripped of its skin, and while the pelt was 
still warm from the animal, wrapped the baby in it, which to all ap- 
pearances was dead; and General Vallejo, just before it apparently 
breathed its last, asked the parents if he might baptize it, to which 
they gave their assent, and he did so; but they had not yet named it. 
They then said, "Give him your name, Mariano Guadalupe," and so 
he was christened by the General, who declared that the child was al- 
ready dead. However, there was a spark of life yet remaining in it, 
and it. revived, and General Vallejo declared it was a miracle, and the 
child had a second and miraculous birth from the spirit of God, who 



122 Life of Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat 

had again given it life. That bab}' is now a hearty, stout man of 55 
years of age, and living in Salem, Oregon, while he holds in reverent 
affection and regard the memory of the distinguished man whose given 
name he bears. 

Scarcely had the Hon. Wm. M. Boggs got settled, when Uncle Sam 
raised the cry of distress for more men to defend the flag, and volun- 
teers were called for. At this crisis in December, 1846, Wm. M. Boggs 
placed his wife and child in the care of his father's family, and General 
Vallejo, not wanting him to join with Fremont's party, told him where 
he could find a boat in the tules near Petaluma Creek, with which he 
and the few others with him could reach San Francisco and join the 
naval forces there, where the sloop-of-war "Warren" was anchored. 
Boggs and his party availed themselves of this opportunity and found 
the boat, which they took possession of and made their way to San 
Francisco, where, as already heretofore stated, they connected them- 
selves as volunteers in the U. S. Marine Corps during the war. 

It would take a large volume to give a complete biography of Gen- 
eral Vallejo and do him justice for his good deeds and noble character. 
We knew him intimately from July, 1850, to January i, 1854, and was 
City Clerk under him when he was Mayor of Sonoma and the Hon. 
Wm. M. Boggs was Councilman. 

Everything he did was on a liberal scale. He was the father of 
seventeen children, eight of w^hom are still living. Two of his daugh- 
ters married officers and members of Colonel Stevenson's Regiment of 
New York Volunteers, Captain John B. Frisbie and Dr. Frisbie, his 
brother; another, Mr. James H. Cutter, of San Francisco; two others, 
Colonel Harazthy and his brother; and so, with American and Euro- 
pean grafts upon this vigorous Vallejo stock, the sap and currents of 
life flow in common. 

He was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention which met at 
Monterey, September i, 1849, and helped to frame the first Constitu- 
tion of the State of California. He was elected and served as State 
Senator from Sonoma District; and, as Chairman of the Committee on 
Counties and County Boundaries, divided the State into twenty-seven 
Counties, gave them their names, and explained their derivation and 
meaning, and rendered most excellent service in legislation. He formed 
a copartnership with Thomas O. Larkin (the first and only U. S. Con- 
sul to California when under the Mexican Government), and with Dr. 
Robert Semple (who was the Secretary of State of the short-lived Bear 
Flag Republic and afterwards President of the Constitutional Conven- 
tion at Monterey). These three formed a copartnership and laid out 
the City of Vallejo (which for a short time was the Capital of the 
State), and the City of Benicia, named in honor of his wife. He was 



Life of Rear- Admiral John Drake Slqat 123: 

elected and served as Mayor of Sonoma in 1852-3; and for several 
years he was Treasurer of the State Horticultural Society, and for a 
long time he was a revered and honored member of several CaUfornia 
Pioneer Societies, and of the "Native Sons of the Golden West," of 
which latter order he was the oldest representative. 

At an early hour on Saturday morning, January 18, 1890, he passed 
away at his home at Lacliryma Montis, at the foot of the hills on the 
northern edge of the town of Sonoma, which he laid out, founded, gar- 
risoned and fostered with a fatherly pride and care for a period of fifty 
four years until his death, at the ripe old age of 81 years, 6 months and 
3 days, mourned by his wife and family and the whole community. 
After the solemn services of his church for the dead, his grandsons 
were his pall-bearers, who sorrowfully and reverently bore the remains 
of their loved and honored grandsire to their last resting place in the 
little cemetery on the brow of the hill overlooking the town of Sonoma 
and the beautiful "Valley of the Moon," made famous in California 
history by this founder of three cities north of San Francisco and San 
Pablo Bays, and whose name shines out in brilliancy at the top of the 
scroll in the Pantheon and Capitol as the Father and Chief Founder of 
our Golden State. 

"Green be the shade above thee, 

Friend of my better days; 
None knew thee but to love thee, 
None named thee but to praise." 
By invitation and request of the citizens of Sonoma and his daugh- 
ter Mrs. Emparan, and with her assistance, we planted an oak tree on 
the plaza of Sonoma, on February 7th, 1902. in honor of the memory 
of General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, and christened the plaza as 
"VallEJO Square," delivering an oration and eulogy upon his noble 
life and character, which was published in full in the Sonoma Expositor 
at the time by Mr. W. R. Stammers, to whom we are indebted for val- 
uable information and favors. 

His widow, Francisca Benicia Carrillo Vallejo, did not long survive 
him when she. too, found rest at his side. [Her brother, Julio Car- 
rillo', was the owner and founder of Santa Rosa, located on the Santa 
Rosa Rancho, which we helped to survey in 1851, and it has for nearly 
fifty years been the county-seat of Sonoma County.] 

It was but a just tribute to the memory of General Vallejo, when we 
selected his beautiful granddaughter. Miss Alma M. Cutter, of San 
Francisco, to represent California at the Celebration of the Fiftieth An- 
niversary of the Organization of the Legislature and State Government 
at San Jose, on December 20, 1899. The personification and tout eyi- 
semhle was all that could be desired, and worthy of her, and all con- 
nected with that historic occasion. 

But we must pass on to the next Chapter. 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 



PART II. 



CELEBRATIONS OF THE FORTIETH AND FIFTIETH ANNIVER- 
SARIES OF THE RAISING OF THE AMERICAN FLAG 
AT MONTEREY, BY COMMODORE JOHN DRAKE 
SLOAT, U. S. N., AND THE SLOAT 
MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 

CHAPTER X. 

In the 3'ears 1885 and 1886, there were probably, in round num- 
bers, not far from one thousand Veterans of the Mexican War of 
1846-8 in California, who came in the early days after the war ended, 
a minority of whom belonged to the Associated Veterans of the Mexi- 
can War in San Francisco, and local societies of Comrades in Sacra- 
mento, Stockton, Ivos Angeles and elsewhere, besides those in Oregon 
and Nevada; but the great majority were scattered, impoverished, 
needy or destitute. Many of the latter, falling behind in the battle of 
life and lingering upon the "ragged edge" of existence, were in the 
County Almshouses, and awaiting to be finally mustered out. Some 
had been removed to the Soldiers' Homes, where they had preserved 
their papers and could prove their identity. Others, too proud, and 
who would rather starve than to have their sense of manhood blunted 
by going even to a "Home" and have to submit to the strict rules of a 
proper regulation necessary to maintain systematic order and govern- 
ment required to carry on such institutions successfully. 

The Associated Veterans of the Mexican War in San Francisco 
took the initiative in a petition to Congress to pass a General Service 
Pension Bill for the Veterans of the Mexican War throughout the 
United States, and at their own expense sent their Past President, Cap- 
tain William Blanding, to Washington to appear before the Committee 
on Pensions, to give information and advocate the passage of the Bill. 

To aid his efforts and call the attention of Congress more particu- 
larly to the urgent necessity of the measure, the Associated Veterans 
of the Mexican War resolved to draw the attention of the whole coun- 
try to what had been achieved in the addition of an empire in territorj- 
and of billions of wealth, as the fruits of their bravery and services in 
battle and otherwise, in securing this broad and matchless domain, 
which, without them, would have been forever lost to the American 



Life of Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat 125 

people. They, therefore, resolved to hold a celebration at Monterey, 
Cal. , on the fortieth anniversary of the taking possession of California 
and raising the American flag at that place, on July 7, 1846, by Com- 
modore Sloat, of the U. S. Navy. And as the Veterans of the Mexican 
War, in service, preceded those who served in the late War for the 
preservation of the Union by fully fifteen years, they would begin the 
festivities of what was to follow by those of welcome to the National 
Encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic, to be held in San 
Francisco and elsewhere in California a month later in that year. 

In accordance therewith, a Committee of Arrangements was ap- 
pointed, of which Major Edwin A. Sherman was made Chairman, and 
the Society of California Pioneers, and the Native Sons of the Golden 
West, were invited to cooperate by appointing similar but auxiliary 
committees, and working in harmony, full arrangements were made, 
the U. S. Government cooperating by General O. O. Howard, com- 
manding the Pacific Division of the Army, sending Major Haskins' 
Battery of Eight Artillery to fire salutes on shore, and Captain C. E. 
Hooper, commanding the Revenue Cutter "Rush," to fire salutes in 
the Harbor of Monterey, there being no naval vessel then here in com- 
mission. 

Not desiring to arouse any ill-feeling on the part of the native 
Spanish California population, to make it appear as if it was a celebra- 
tion of special triumph over them, but to represent the progress of civ- 
ilization from its commencement in California, General Mariano Guada- 
lupe Vallejo, of Sonoma, was invited to be present, and consented to 
raise the Spanish flag, under which he was born, and the Mexican 
flag, under which he held a General's commission, and also to deliver 
an address, and Captain Joseph B. Coghlan, of the U. S. Navy, to 
raise the American flag, all three flags upon the old Custom House. 

The celebration took place with great eclat on the 5th of July, to 
blend the Fourth with the 7th — Independence Day and the Anniver- 
sary of Commander Sloat' s raising the flag, on July 7, 1846, at the 
same time. The Associated Veterans of the Mexican War, with other 
comrades, the Pioneer Societies, Native Sons of the Golden West and 
other organizations, were under the direction of Dr. Westfall, of Mon- 
terey, as Grand Marshal, formed in line, and, after marching through 
the principal streets, were conducted to the old Custom House, in front 
of which a large platform had been constructed, and at the northeast 
and southwest corners, two additional poles had been erected, with 
ropes and pulleys attached. Major Haskins, with his Eight Battery, 
promptly took his position on the U. S. Military Reservation, and Cap- 
tain Hooper, with the Revenue Cutter "Rush," was at anchor in readi- 
ness in the Harbor. 



ri26 Life of Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat 

When all "had arrived and the Officers of the Day had taken their 
places on the Grand Stand, Major Edwin A. Sherman, Chairman of 
the Committee of Arrangements, introduced Captain Thomas G. Lam- 
ibert, representing Monterey's President of the Day, who delivered the 
ollowing eloquent address of welcome: 

''Mr. President, Ladies attd Gentlemen : On this, the one hundred and tenth 
anniversary of the Independence of the United vStates of America, and the fortieth 
of the adoption of California, the citizens of Monterey welcome you, the Asso- 
ciated Veterans of the Mexican War; welcome, the Pioneers of California; wel- 
come, the representatives of the Army and Navy of the United States; welcome, 
the Native Sons of the Golden West; and welcome, the ladies and gentlemen of 
this grand assemblage from every walk in life — all thrice welcome to this historic 
spot. 

"Here, forty years ago, a gallant son of the Nav}" flung to the breeze the starry 
banner, our nation's emblem, that placed California under the protecting care of 
the American Republic. Near this spot was framed the Constitution under which 
California sprang forth as a golden starin the silvery constellation of our glorious 
Union. 

"To the Veterans of the Mexican War is our country indebted for this price" 
less gem in its native state. When these have passed from the scenes of their 
labors and triumphs, to the brighter shore beyond, may you, the Sous of the 
Golden West, preserve its brightness still undimmed for ages yet to come. The 
transfer of the State Government, the fleeting tide of population and the flight 
of swift-winged commerce to the Golden Gate, left Monterey, for many years, 
almost desolate and abandoned. As was exclaimed by the prophet of old, 'How- 
doth the city sit solitary that was so full of people! How has she become as a 
a widow!' But her widowhood has passed. To-day Monterey, like Venus arisnig 
from the sea in her beauty, though shorn of her tresses, still remembering the 
days of old, greets her invited guests with her ancient hospitality, though unpre- 
pared for this tidal wave of humanity that has rushed in upon her. And now 
we extend to you the freedom of California's ancient capital, wherein to partici- 
pate in the festivities that commemorate the day on which the gallant Sloat 
raised the American flag, the proud banner of a great nation." 

Captain Samuel Deal, President of the Associated Veterans of the 
Mexican War, responded in appropriate and eloquent terms. 

Governor vStoneman, President of the Day, being absent. Captain 
Wm. L. Dtmcan, Past President of the Associated Veterans of the 
Mexican War, acted as Master of Ceremonies, and introduced Rev. 
James O. Rayner, Chaplain of the U. S. Army and Chaplain of the 
Day, who offered up an eloquent and fervent prayer, during which the 
audience stood uncovered. 

[Chaplain Rayner was present at Sitka, in Alaska Territory, when 
the Russian flag was lowered by the officers of the Russian Navy and 
the American flag hoisted by the officers of the U. S. Reventie Cutter 
"Lincoln," in 1866.] 

General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, who had been invited to de- 
liver an address and to .raise the Spanish flag under which he was born, 



Life of Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat 127 

and the Mexican flag under which he had held commissions as already 
stated, was then introduced, and before hoisting those flags, spoke as 
follows in Spanish: 

[Translated by Major Edwin A. Sherman, and translation approved by General 
Vallejo.] 

"Mr. President, Ladies and Gentleme^i : Invited by you, the Veterans of the 
war with Mexico, to take part in the celebration of the anniversary of the Inde- 
pendence of the United States of America, I must commence by offering you vtxy 
sincere expressions of gratitude for the unmerited honor which you have be- 
stowed upon me, in selecting me to raise on this memorable day, with the honors 
and solemnity of the occasion, the flags of Spain and Mexico, that in no remote 
time in the past have waved in this historical city with equal glory with 
•'The Banner of the Stars. 

"I do not come here to pronounce a discourse, nor much less to portray the 
history of this country, for it would be too arduous a duty, on an occasion like 
the present, which requires a more qualified and eloquent voice than mine to 
undertake the task. I desire to depend solely on those grand actions which, 
under the first of those glorious ensigns, the immortal Christopher Columbus 
opened to the eyes of humanity a new world, that much later was destined to be 
the classic laud of liberty, and which, by the ingratitude that always pursues the 
enterprising benefactors of the people, does not bear his name, but that of the 
illustrious navigator, Americus Vespucius. 

"Permit me, gentlemen, to express in my native tongue, in the beautiful 
idom spoken by the discoverers of this continent. Distrusting any improvisation 
which might treacherously obscure my words, causing me to forget my ideas and 
and lose my train of thought, I have written out the following, as far as m}' fee- 
bleness will permit: 

"Three hundred and ninety-four years have passed since the Catholic King 
and Queen of Spain, 

"Ferdinand and Isabella, 
met at the siege of Granada, and when King Boabdil came out with fifty war- 
riors to deliver the keys of the city to the Moors, saying, 'Sire, we are yours; the 
finger of God has so disposed, and your Majesty can enter into the city of 
Granada.' And the finger of God has also disposed that under the reign of those 
illustrious sovereigns should be consummated the grandest act recorded in his- 
tory; that on retiring from Granada that they should meet anew with Christopher 
Columbus, who, disheartened in calling in vain at the doors of all the Kings of 
Europe for aid in his grand enterprise, presented his last effort to the crown of 
Spain. L,ike that enlightened gtnius, Galileo, he was then the victim of misfor- 
tune, as others have been much later, of the ingratitude of men, but who must 
still suffer and drink from 

"The Bitter Chalice. 
While complaining of new opposition and disappointment, King Ferdinand 
refused to give any aid, on account of the depleted treasury, impoverished by the ' 
war which he had sustained to the end; but a woman, one of the noblest of 
women, upon whose forehead shone, with more light than the royal diadem, the 
brilliant light of genius and of glory, made generous donations of her ornaments 
and of the jewels of her crown, that they might be sold to aid the enterprise of 
the illustrious Genoese mariner, who was destined to penetrate the fathomless 



128 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

arcana, and bear to the surface, in his last extremity, the secrets therein hidden 
It was impossible for the great Isabella not to read in that clear forehead, so 
many times dejected, the full light of intelligence and truth. Intoxicated with 
joy, Columbus directed his way to Palos, and, in company with Pinzon, prepared 
the feeble flotilla with which he was to defy the furious elements in search of a 
world until then unknown. 

"Three Caravei^s 
formed the expedition, 'L,a Santa Maria,' 'La Pinta' and 'La Niiia," two of which 
were without cover or upper deck. Who could think of such vessels plowing 
the seas, that were destined to work a great revolution in the history of the 
world ? And so it was, gentlemen; for in only six weeks Columbus was to realize 
the project which for so long a time enlightened his intelligence. A new world 
was presented to his sight. That land, the object of his continuous voyages, the 
confirmation of his conjectures, was destined to afterwards adorn the temples of 
his protector with a jewel more precious than all her royal crown. It was here, 
gentlemen, the finishing strokes, as realized under the standard of Castile, this 
occurred. Twenty years afterward, 

Hernando de Cortes, 
with a brave heart, and carried forward by his martial instinct, disobeyed the 
orders of Diego de Velasquez, Governor of Cuba, and relying upon the valor of 
his sword and the daring and pride of the Spanish race, undertook the conquest 
of Anahuac, disembarking at Vera Cruz on the 2tbt day of April, 1519, then burn- 
ing his ships that there might be no retreat, either of himself or any of the others, 
in the grand enterprise that he had entered upon. A heroic act, and unequaled 
in the records of history. The red flames which issued from the decks of those 
ships were not more than feeble and pallid reflections of the sun of Charles the 
Fifth, brilliant then from pole to pole. 

"Two years sufficed for the empire of Montezuma to disappear under the 
valorous impulses of the Castilian forces. The city of Tenochtitlan was occu- 
pied by the conqueror, and the flag of Spain from thence floated throughout the 
extensive dominions of the Aztec monarchy to the uttermost limit of the con- 
quest. Here, then, gentlemen, was the cause of that standard waving on this 
same spot, and in the other inhabited places of Upper California. 

"Mexico, following the example of the United States, and inspired by the 
advanced doctrines of the 

"French Revolution, 
proclaimed independence, and on the 27th day of September of 1826, three cen- 
turies after the taking of Mexico by Cortes, in the same city, the army of the 
liberator entered, headed by Don Augustin de Iturbide. Independence having 
been accomplished and the regency established, the prebendary, Fernandez de 
Jauregui, was commissioned to proceed to this same city of Monterey to receive 
the command at the hands of the Spanish authority. When this was accom- 
plished, the Governor of California was Don Pablo Vicente de Sola; and I, gen- 
tlemen, then in the dawn of life, and for the first time, saw raised and waving 
in this place the tri-colored flag. Twenty-five years had passed, and we saw 
Mexico involved in a war with the United States, the causes and justice of which 
I shall not undertake to pass upon, for already the history has been written, and 
the release by a cession of a part of her territory to this last nation, among which 
was embraced the State in which we live, and in which I first saw the light. 

"Commissioned by you to-day to raise those two flags in sign of respect to' 



Life of Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat 129 

your predecessors, I accept with pleasure this duty, for I was born on this piece 
of land and reared under the ensigrs of Spain and Mexico, the two which I 
salute at this hour with all the fervor of my soul." 

General Vallejo then spoke ex tempore in English, being loudly 
cheered, and then reverently raised the Spanish and Mexican flags 
respectively, which were saluted by the Light Battery K, First Regi- 
ment U. S. Artillery, Major Haskins commanding, and the U. S. Rev- 
enue Cutter "Richard Rush," Captain C. L. Hooper commanding, with 
twenty-one guns each, the audience cheering each flag as it went up. 

Master J. B. Whittemore, Jr., then a lad often j^ears of age, and the 
great-grandson of Commodore Sloat, then brought forward the Ameri- 
can flag and presented it to Captain Charles F. Williams, of the U. S. 
Marine Corps (Captain Joseph B. Coghlan, of the U. S. Navy, being 
sick and unable to attend), who then raised it to the top of the original 
flagstaff, where it was first hoisted by order of Commodore Sloat. A 
National salute of thirty-eight guns was fired by the Light Battery of 
Artillerj^ and by the Revenue Cutter "Richard Rush," during which 
the "Star Spangled Banner" was plaj-ed by the Monterey Band and 
sting by the entire audience. 

The Declaration' of Independence was then read in a very effective 
manner by W. R. Merritt, of Monterey Parlor, No. 75, of the Native 
Sons of the Golden West, followed by "Hail Columbia" by the band. 

Lieutenant J. B. Whittemore, the grandson of Commodore Sloat, 
then received from the hands of Hiram T. Graves, Esq. , the Secretary 
of the Society of California Pioneers of San Francisco, loaned for the 
occasion, the original proclamation of his illustrious grandfather, which 
he read in a clear and audible tone of voice, which w^as received with 
three hearty cheers, and then delivered to Mr. Graves, the custodian. 

Letters with good wishes were received from President G rover 
Cleveland, Governor George Stoneman, Hon. George C. Perkins, Ex- 
Governor; Major General Oliver O. Howard, of the U. S. Army; Rear 
Admiral R. W. Shufeldt, U. S. Navy; Commodore Geo. E. Belknap, 
Mare Island Navy Yard; Captain Joseph B. Coghlan, U. S. N., and 
other distinguished public citizens. 

The following telegram was received from General John C. Fremont 

and read: 

Telegram. 

"Washington, July 3, 1886. 
"7<? Major Ediviti A. Sherman : Many thanks for cordial invitation. Regret 
sincerely that I cannot join in commemorating the day we raised our flag and 
broadened the sovereignty of the American people to the Pacific shores. I send 
the Pioneers and Comrades my fraternal and hearty congratulations. 

'•John C. Fremont. 

Captain William L. Duncan, Ex-President of the Associated Veterans 



130 Life of RearAdmirai. John Drake Sloat 

■of the Mexican War and Master oi Ceremonies of the occasion, then 
stepped forward and said: 

"■3Tr. President, Comrades, Pioneers and Fellow-Citi~ens : Before introduc- 
iug the Orator of the Day, it is eminently just and proper that due credit shall be 
given to our Chairman of the Committee of Arrangements, who has so faithfully 
performed his duty in making this celebration a harmonious and perfect success. 
To him are we indebted for the conception of this affair, and the masterly manner 
in which it has so grandly been brought to perfection. For nearly two months 
he has devoted his time and services, as well as money, written hundreds of let- 
ters of invitation, inspired our Comrades and fellow-citizens all over the State to 
give their earnest attention to this celebration. His personal influence with 
Major General Oliver O. Howard, commanding the Pacific Division of the U S. 
Army, caused that distinguished soldier, gentleman and patriot to send the Bat- 
tery of Flying Artillery to fire the national salutes from the shore, and with 
Captain C. L- Hooper, of the U. S. Revenue Cutter 'Richard Rush,' to represent 
the Navy in also firing the salutes in the harbor, to whom we are most profoundly 
grateful for their kindness and services on this occasion, which is one loug to be 
remembered by the people here present. 

"But our Comrade has not only done this, but that most difficult task of cov- 
ering the sharp thorns of the cactus of national prejudice of birth of the native 
Californians, once subjects of Spain and citizens of Mexico, but who, by treaty, 
were transferred to another nationality and citizenship, with which they had 
once been in conflict, to unite with us in this celebration. And the most distin- 
guished general, statesman and patriot which California has produced, was born 
here in Monterey, the subject of Spain, who became a citizen of Mexico by the 
revolution for independence and a faithful military officer under that Govern- 
ment, honors us here to-day by his presence, and in raising the flags of the two 
nationalities under which he was born and reared, on the spot that gave him 
.birth, our honored guest and fellow-citizen. General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, 
with whose assistance we have been enabled to thoroughly and completelj' cause 
the native Californians, also our fellow-citizeus, to fraternize with us on this 
auspicious occasion. 

'To Captain Thomas G. Lambert, and all the other citizens of Monterey, are 
we greatly indebted for their efforts and labors rendered to make this a memora- 
ble event, worthy to be preserved in the annals of not only the old Capital of 
Monterey of the State of California, but of the Uuited States at large. 

"I now take pleasure in presenting to you our esteemed Comrade, the Chair- 
man of the Committee of Arrangements and the Orator of the Day, Major 
Edwin A. Sherman." 

The Oration was a descriptive historical review in brief of the events 
hereinbefore given in this work, and we only give the following ex- 
tracts and conclusion when we said: 

"When a nation commences to forget its heroes, its decay has already begun. 
The Veterans of the Mexican War have made the United States Government a 
pensioner upon their valor; the vast territory acquired and secured, with billions 
of treasure they have added to the national wealth, enabled it to maintain its 
credit amidst the throes of a mighty and unparalleled civil war. 

"Wnen vSpaiu invaded and conquered Mexico, she entered with the sword and 



Life of Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat 131 

cross, plundered the people, and for nearly three centuries and a half, ground 
them into the earth, and left them in blood and misery. When the Army and 
Navy of the United States invaded Mexico in defense of the national honor, they 
carried the sword, the olive branch and the purse, paid the full value of every- 
thing they took, and while they fought the Mexican troops, they successfully 
cultivated and won the confidence of the people; they retired with honor and 
without a single stain upon our national escutcheon. The glorious record of our 
achievements in the past is secure. But a few years more and wo shall have 
passed away, and ere the last roll is called and we are mustered out, let Califor- 
nia, at least, gratify our vision by an act of justice and duty, which for the long 
period of forty years she has neglected. 

"Massachusetts has set up her monument at Plymouth Rock, where sleep the 
Pilgrim Fathers, to commemorate their indomitable courage and sterling virtues; 
and from Bunker Hill, there rises a shaft pointing to heaven, where fell the 
heroes of the first great battle in the War of the Revolution for Liberty and 
American Independence. By the banks of the Potomac at the Capital of the 
Nation, there stands an obelisk of unparalled height and beauty, the tribute of 
the nations of the earth, in honor of the 'Father of Our Country,' the immortal 
Washington. Lincoln and Garfield are remembered in granite and marble and 
bronze; and the statues of hundreds of America's sons adorn the pantheon of the 
nation. At the entrance of the spacious harbor of New York, there has been 
erected the grandest monument of art, the gift of the Republic of France (the 
home and resting place of Lafayette), the mammoth but graceful statue of 'Lib- 
erty Enlightening the World.' So here, on this long-neglected spot, on the shore 
of the boundless western sea, faithfully guarded and kept for twenty years by a 
son of Massachusetts, Captain Thomas G. Lambert, let a monument of the finest 
granite be erected, and on a pedestal of our richest gold-bearing quartz, a statue 
of bronze, thickly plated with gold, a true likeness of the Admiral John Drake 
Sloat set up, and California pay that just tribute which is due from this Golden 
Empire of the Pacific, to him who added honor, glory and renown to a long and 
illustrious life, to whose foresight, daring and skill, California's bright star now 
shines unequaled in the constellation of the American Union. [Applause.] 

"But a few words more and I am done. Let this golden, blood-bought land 
purchased with the valor and lives of the bravest hearts of the nation, which 
never knew defeat, glorified with the diadem and halo of American progress and 
civilization by our Comrade Pioneers, who piloted the way for the swift-footed 
steeds, the iron cavalry of the plains, whose squadrons leap the mountains, and, 
charging in masses, have driven the mustangs from the field, also drive from our 
shores this foul-breeding curse of Mongolian pollution, which is poisoning our 
land with its deadly exhalations, and sweep from the face of the earth the vermin 
of the sand- lot and this foreign invasion of anarchy and communism. 

"Then let the last roll-call be sounded at life's evening retreat; and as our 
eyes shall behold the sun in his crimson robes of splendor, in his glowing chariot 
of fire, with the drapery of his golden clouds gathered about him, and as he sinks 
beyond yon azure sea, photographing upon the skies in radiant colors our starry 
banner of the free, then, and then only, can we exclaim, that the Republic to us 
has not been ungrateful." 

The following resolution was then offered by Hon. John 'M. Bttf- 
fington, of Oakland, President of the Alameda and Contra Costa Pio- 
neer Society, with a few well-timed remarks: 



132 Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat 

^^ Resolved, That a committee of thirteen be appointed to take immediate 
steps for the organization of the Sloat Monument Association, for the purpose of 
erecting a suitable monument in this place to the memory of the illustrious Rear 
Admiral John Drake Sloat, which shall be a proper tribute, expressive of the ap" 
preciation of his great patriotism and merits, by the people of California." 

The resolution was ably seconded by Dr. Washington Ayer, M. D., 
of San Francisco, and a member of the Society of California Pioneers^ 
who spoke as follows: 

"iTi^. President : In seconding the resolution, I desire to say, to-day we cele- 
brate two of the most important events in the history of our Republic — the 
Declaration of Independence and the acquisition of California to the territory of 
the United States, which forever fixed the boundaries of our country upon the 
shores of two great oceans. 

"The acquisition of this territory was the achievement of the bold and heroic 
acts of the Commander of the United States ileet of the Pacific, who raised the 
Stars and Stripes where we now stand, and issued his proclamation on the mem- 
orable 7th day of July, 1846. 

"A little more than a decade had passed from that event, and while the echo 
of the salute was yet reverberating among the hills — following the laws of evolu- 
lution to a higher civilization,— forces were operating which made war between 
the North and South inevitable, and it came, in all its thundering majesty, glootr» 
and fury, upon us. 

"It then seemed most providential that this newly-acquired country had be 
come a 'fixed star' in the sisterhood of States, and was loyal to the Union. Then 
the mountains and ravines of California gave their gold to assist in carrying the 
war to a successful termination in the interest of republican liberty and universal 
freedom. 

"In the presence of these facts, the historic old town of Monterey should feel 
a special pride in this celebration to-day, and in view of these facts, also, this i& 
a suitable occasion to inaugurate a movement to perpetuate in granite and in 
bronze the name and memory of the valiant Commodore John Drake Sloat, and 
voice cannot better be employed than to say 'aye' to the resolution in such an 
earnest manner that it shall cause the sound to echo from the Pacific to the 
Atlantic shore, until the sentiment shall find response in every true American 
heart." 

The resolution was unnanimously adopted and the following com- 
mittee appointed: 

Hon. John M. Buflfington, Ex-Governor George C. Perkins and 
Major Edwin A. Sherman, of Oakland; D. J. Staples, Joseph G. East- 
land and William T. Suresay, of the Society of California Pioneers of 
San Francisco; Captain Thomas J. Knipe, Captain William E- Duncan 
and Hon. W. C. Burnett, of the Associated Veterans of the Mexican 
War; Hon. William M. Boggs, of Napa; Captain Thomas G. Lam- 
bert, Hon. Jesse D. Carr and Francis Doud, of Monterey County. 

Captain Thomas G. Lambert, President of the Day for Monterey, 
then introduced Mrs. Eliza A. Pittsinger, the Poet of the Day, who 
then recited a fine original poem in a fervent and eloquent manner. 



1 

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REV. BRO. A. A. McALISTER, 32° 

Forty-three years a Chaplain of the U. S. Navy. Act- 
ing Assistant Grand Chaplain. Grand Primate and 
Charter Member of the Grand Consistory of California, 
Oct. 12, 1870. Chaplain of Solano Lodge No. 229, F. & A. 
M., at Vallejo, Cal. As a dispenser of the "Bread of 
Life" upon the waters or npon shore, and in attending 
to the sick, the wounded, and dying, he has been faithful 
to his calling, to the Brethren of the Household of the 
Faithful, ard to his fellow-man. Forty-two and a half 
years a Master Mason. 



ti^ 




W. BRO. JAMES LAFAYETTE COGSWELL 

p. M. of Crockett Lodge No. 139, and now of California 
Lodge No. I. Right Venerable Grand Treasurer, 1S93, 
4. 5. 6, 7, 8, 9, 1900, r. Past M. V. Grand President of the 
Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast, iSSs 9. 
California Pioneer of 1S49. God never made a better- 
hearted man or a truer Mason. Of prompt, generous 
impulses, foremost to help others at all times, and 
utterly forgetful of self. 






HON. FRANK MATTISON, P. M. 

County Assessor of Santa Clara County, Past Grand 
President N. S. G. W. 



MAJOR JOHN L. BROMLEY, M. M. 

Of Oakland, Cal. 
Active Member of the Sloat Monument Association of 
California. A native of the Monumental City of Balti- 
more, Maryland. President of the Alameda County So- 
ciety of Veterans of the Mexican War, and a Pioneer. 
He was a brave soldier and officer in the Battles in front 
of the City of Mexico in 1847. A respectable and honor 
ed citizen and a good man. 





DAVID W. STANDIFORD, 33° 

Pioqeer of 1849. Residence, Oakland, Cal. Active 
Member of the Masonic Veteran Association of the 
Pacific Coast. 




MISS CLARA K. WITTENMYER 
Of Martinez, Cal. 
Special Maid of Honor and Representative of Contra 
Costa County. Daughter of Hon. Lewis C. Wittenmyer, 
P. M., a Pioneer of 1S49, and granddaughter of Comrade 
Capt, John Wittenmyer, a Veteran of the Mexican War. 
She is a Past President and the Chaplain of the Native 
Daughters of the Golden West. Her father at present 
is Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Royal 
Arch Masons of California. 



BRO. LEWIS AMISS SPITZER 
Right Venerable Grand Marshal, 1897, S. 9, 1900, i, 2, of 
the Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast. 
A native of the State of Virginia, the "Mother of Presi- 
dents," Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, Har- 
rison, and Tyler, all Masons. Bro. Spitzer is deservedly 
one of the most popular Masons and public men cf 
Santa Clara County. A noble-hearted, whole-souled, 
generous, and hospitable gentleman. In 1882 he was 
called from his tarm and stock-raising to fill the high 
and important trust of Assessor of that County, and at 
the completion of his present term will have been 
twenty consecutive years in that office by election of 
the people without regard to his politics. "An honest 
man is the noblest work of God." 




HON. WM. FRANK PIERCE, P.M.I.G.M.,33°, 

P. M., P. C. H. P. 

Grand Commander of Knights Templar of California. 
Treasurer General of the Supreme Council. Active 
Inspector General for California. Life Member of the 
Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast. 



Life of Rear-Admirai, John Drake Sloat 133 

As she was also the Poet of the Day at the Semi-Centennial Celebra- 
tion or Golden Jubilee at Monterey on July 7, 1896, she gave the same 
poem, but revised and amplified, which will be found printed in full in 
the account of that celebration in its regular order. 

' 'America' ' was then played by the band and sung by the entire 
audience. 

The benediction was then pronounced by Rev. H. S. Snodgrass, 
the Chaplain of Monterey. 

The audience then dispersed after standing three hours and a half, 
listening with intense interest, to hear and see all that was done; and a 
large portion then went to Colton Hall, to listen to the Hon. Elisha O. 
Crosby, one of the members of the first Constitutional Convention, 
which met at Monterey in September, 1849, and framed the first Con- 
stitution of California. 

[We will here mention as a fact, that Hon. Elisha O. Crosby was 
the grandson of Washington's Spy of the Revolution, of which Wash- 
ington Irving has given so graphic an account.] 

Standing in Colton Hall, on the spot occupied by him as a member 
of the Constitutional Convention, Hon. Elisha O. Crosby delivered the 
following reminiscent remarks: 

"The establishment of civil government in California was accomplished during 
scenes of the wildest excitement, unequaled in the annals of time. The sails of 
the Argonauts whitened the ocean along our borders and poured their over- 
crowed decks, by thousands and tens of thousands, upon our shores. The length- 
ened immigrant train, like an invading army, came teeming with its mighty hosts 
of stalwart men to swell the excited throng; and all engaged in the desperate 
struggle for rapid fortune in the golden sands of California. Each man came 
armed with deadly weapons, to enforce the will of its owner, the only law that 
was recognized in the land. 

"It has been well said 'that the state of things realized the anarchist's ideal 

no government and no laws.' Life was cheap and property insecure, and the 
preservation of the one, and the possession of the other, was held at the mercy 
of the death-dealing revolver, held in the hands of passion, which too often dealt 
causeless desolation. 

"The organization of a government, and the enforcement of equal laws in 
California, was a fight for the survival of the fittest, with order and safety, or 
anarchy and bloodshed. It was no holiday task. We met here, now nearly 
thirty-seven years ago, to make the Constitution for the government of a new 
State, defining its boundaries and directing the enactment of a system of laws to 
control the passion of this great concourse, of a varied population gathered from 
every nation and clime, and to bring order out of chaos, give security to life and 
protection to property; and all this without the least authority from Congress, 
representing the nation that had so lately acquired this vast region from Mexico. 

"Responsive to the call of that brave and patriotic hero, General Bennett 
Riley, forty-eight delegates from all parts of the country, constituting the present 
State, met here in Colton Hall, in this town of Monterey, and with brief prelude 
and shorter speeches, set ourselves at work. 



134 Life of Rear-AdxMiral John Drake Sloat 

"The first question to settle was, Shall we organize a Territorial form of gov- 
ernraent? Was answered 'NO!' emphatically 'NO!' Shall we organize a State? 
'YES.' And a State fully organized and perfect; with freedom for every human 
being within its borders. Speaking of borders, reminds me that we discussed 
pretty fully the lay of the laud, and from the best information we could gather, 
we took all the country we knew to be worth anything, and all that we had an 
idea would ever prove to be of value. Time has demonstrated that we guessed 
wisely and right. We took to the crest of the Sierras and left the rest to Nevada, 
Salt Lake and the Mormons. 

"We took the best from all the Constitutions of the different States; and if 
wisdom we displayed, it was in selecting the best; modifying and adjusting these 
provisions to the necessities of the new State. 

"Our "wives and sweethearts were in the other States and in foreign lands. 
San Prancisco had grown a city of 25,000 men, while perchance a single female 
now and then appeared upon the street, and whose presence caused a stampede 
to the doors'and windows to see her vanish around the next corner. 

"With the exception of my friend General Vallejo, and a few other thrice- 
blessed residents of California, we were without a house, and that divinity, a 
wife. We all realized the propriety, in fact, the necessity, of encouraging, by 
every means, our wives and loved ones to follow us to California. Texas, then 
like California, much in want of female population, had four years before, in 
adopting a Constitution, sounded the tocsin of freedom to women, bj' giving her 
an equal estate and right of separate property with the man and husband, and an 
equal share of community property, with liberal homestead and exemption laws, 
for her protection. 

"It is among the most pleasing remembrances of these latter days of»life, that 
I had a share and did what I could to secure to the wives and daughters of Cali- 
fornia this inestimable boon, and thereby enfranchising them from the old Eng- 
lish law brought to this country by our fathers, that merged the wife in the hus- 
band — her name, fortune and control, to the right of chastisement with the rod. 
Mindful of the rising generation (and with great hopes for their abundant in- 
crease when our wives and sweethearts arrived on these Pacific shores), we 
directed that the 500,000 acres of land given to all new States on their admission 
b}' the general government should be dedicated forever to educational purposes. 
How well, or otherwise, the various Legislatures have administered thjs trust, I 
do uot know. 

"And so I might extend this review of what we did, and why and how it was 
done, but time and weariness admonish me to close. It is with grateful recol- 
lection of the good people of Monterey. I thank them for the hospitality we 
received, and the entertainment they extended to the delegates of the first Con- 
stitutional Convention. 

"How with willing hands and cheerful smiles they prepared the tortillas and 
toothsome toinales and dulces and frescos, to stay the hungry delegates; and how 
the fair daughters, with winsome way, joined the younger members in the Span- 
ish dance ! 

"It was not a melancholy body of men, by any means, that first Convention, 
but earnest workers, who meant business first, and social happiness when their 
work was done. 

"Well do I remember the last day of our sitting, when, amid the cannon roar 
from the old fort on the hill, we signed our names, and General Riley, with 



Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat 135 

streaming eyes, declared it a happier day for him than when his soldiers cheered 
him on the heights of Contreras over their victory won. 

"And then hand clasped hand as we separated, many of us for the last time 
on earth. Our Secretary survives to call the roll, but how few there be to answei ! 
A few more years all will have passed away. Our work survived, and since the 
day we separated here, a generation has grown to manhood, to reap the benefits 
and blessings of our labor. May its influences continue for all time to come. 

"In the name of those departed, and the little band that j-et remains, I ask 
those who take our places, to preserve the good we did in this first step to found 
a constitutional government in California." 

Hon. Elisha O. Crosbj^ was heartily cheered b}^ his audience, which 
then dispersed. 

The festivities at Monterey closed with a Grand Ball, given by 
Monterey Parlor of the "Native Sons of the Golden West" in La- 
porte's Hall, which had been beautifully decorated for the occasion. 
At the Hotel Del Monte a fine display of fireworks was given in the 
evening, and at Pacific Grove a torchlight procession, fireworks and 
various exercises of a patriotic order were held. 

The celebration in every way was a success, and worthj^ of the his- 
toric occasion commemorated, and to the Associated Veterans of the 
Mexican War in particular was the credit chiefly due in inaugurating 
the movement which produced stich happy results. 

Two of the principal objects of this celebration were effected. It 
aided Captain Blanding before the Committee on Pensions* at Washing- 
ton in securing the passage of the Service Pension Bill, giving to all 
Veterans of the Mexican War of the age of 62 years and upwards a 
pension of eight dollars per month, to the relief and delight of many a 
proud but needy Veteran, as well as those whose spirit of self-reliance 
had waned beneath the weight of privation and old age. And it also 
started the movement for the erection of the first National Monument 
on the Pacific Coast, and at Monterey, where the American flag was 
first hoisted by the authority of the U. S. Government during the war 
with Mexico, and by that patriotic and gallant officer, then Commodore 
John Drake Sloat 

And so ended the first really National Celebration and of the For- 
tieth Anniversary of that glorious event when California first became 
a part of the Grand Continental Territory of the American Union . 

The public attention was now drawn to the great preparations being 
made for the reception to the National Encampment of the Grand 
Army of the Republic to which a large number of the Veterans of the 
Mexican War belonged or had served in the War for the preservation 
of the Union, The arrival, welcome and entertainment with Califor- 
nia's proverbial hospitality, which was fully maintained, occtipied the 
minds of the members of the Committee appointed at Monterey, as was 



136 Life of Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat 

the case with everybody else, and necessarily postponed any meeting 
for several months, until the time was propitious for calling it after the 
general State election had been held, when, in pursuance of the resolu- 
tion adopted at Monterey, the Hon. John M. Buffington, acting as 
Chairman of said Committee, appointed Major Edwdn A. Sherman as 
Acting Secretary', ^ and directed him to notify every member to attend a 
meeting to be held at the office of the Chairman, at No. 309 California 
street, San Francisco, on Wednesday, December i, 1886, at 2 o'clock 
p. M., for the purpose of forming and organizing the Sloat Monument 
Association 

The notice was issued accordingly to each and ever}- member of the 
Committee. 

FIRST MEETING OF THE SLOAT MONUMENT COMMITTEE 

HELD. 

In pursuance of said call, the following members assembled at the 
place designated and the hour named: 

Hon. John M. Buffington, Chairman; Hon. Jesse D. Carr, Hon. 
Wellington C. Burnett, Captain Thomas J. Knipe, Captain Thomas G. 
Lambert. Francis Doud and Major Edwin A. Sherman. 

The following-named members of the Committee sent their excuses 
for non-attendance, but would heartily concur in the action which 
might be taken, and desired to be enrolled as members of the Sloat 
Monument Association w^hen organized, viz. : 

Ex-Governor George C. Perkins, Captain William L. Duncan, Jo- 
seph G. Eastland, J. D. Staples and Hon. Wm. M. Boggs. 

The meeting was called to order by Hon. John M. Buffington, 
Chairman, and Major Edwin A. Sherman appointed Acting Secretary. 

The resolution adopted at Monterey, July 5, 1886, and the names 
of the Committee and the call for the meeting, was then read. 

After a general discussion of the object for which the meeting had 
been called and to carr}' out the intention of the resolution, the follow- 
ing action was then taken: 

On motion /)f Major Edwin A. Sherman and seconded by Thomas 
G. Lambert, it was unanimously 

'''Resolved, That for the purpose of organization, the gentlemen appointed as 
the Committee at Monterey, here present, and those who are absent who sent 
their excuses, but will concur in the action taken at this meeting, and such others 
as may be selected by them, who may afterwards accept their election as mem- 
bers, do now constitute themselves into a Society, to be known as 

The Sloat Monument Association of California, 

and that its Officers shall consist of a President, two Vice-Presidents, a Secretary, 
a Treasurer, a Receiver or Custodian, a Sergeant-at-Arms, and an Executive 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 137 

Committee, to consist of Thirteen Members, including the Seven Officers, five of 
whom shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business." 

The above resolution having been unanimousl}' adopted, on motion, 
it was ordered that an election be immediatel}^ held to fill the various 
offices named. 

The election was then duly held, and the following-named gentle- 
men were unanimously elected to fill the various offices until their suc- 
cessors should be elected, to wit: 

THE SIvOAT MONUMENT ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA 
ORGANIZED— OFFICERS. 

Hon. John M. Buffington, of Oakland President 

Captain Thomas J. Knife, of San Francisco First Vice-President 

Dr. Washington Ayer, of San Francisco Second Vice-President 

Major Edwin A. Sherman, of Oakland Secretarj^ 

Ex-Governor George C. Perkins, of Oakland Treasurer 

Captain Thomas G. Lambert, of Monterey..., Receiver 

Francis Doud, of Monterey Sergeant-at-Arms 

Hon. Jesse D. Carr, of Monterey; Captain Joseph B. Coghlan, U. 
S. N. ; Captain Charles F. WilHams, U. S. Marine Corps; Hon. Wel- 
lington C. Burnett and William T. Garratt, of San Francisco, and 
Hon. William M. Boggs, of Napa, as the additional members of the 
Executive Committee. 

Thus was "The Sloat Monument Association of California" duly 
organized. A general plan and outline of action was duly adopted 
of carrying out the objects for which it had been formed. Major Edwin 
A. Sherman, Captain Thomas J. Knipe and William T. Garratt were 
appointed a Committee of Design and Construction, and a description 
of what the monument should be was unanimously approved. 

On motion of Captain Thomas G. Lambert, the Hon. Bradley V. 
Sargent, State Senator-elect from Monterey County, was unanimously 
elected to present the petition and draft a bill to be presented before 
the incoming Legislature appropriating the siim of Twenty-five Thou- 
sand Dollars for the proposed monument. The finst meeting for organ- 
ization was then adjourned. 

The Hon. Bradley V. Sargent, Senator from Monterey County, 
presented the petition and drafted the bill for the proposed monument, 
which he introduced, and might have been successful, if the amend- 
ment tacked on, to have it erected in Golden Gate Park, San Fran- 
cisco, was to be accepted. Boston Common was not Plymouth Rock, 
where the Pilgrims landed, long before the city of Boston was located. 
Montere}' was where Commodore Sloat took possession of California, 



138 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

and hoisted the American flag two days before Commander Mont- 
gomery, his subordinate, in obedience to the orders of Sloat, raised the 
American flag and took possession of Verba Biiena, or San Francisco. 

The Sloat Monument Association protested against this diversion 
from the real historic spot at Monterey to any other locality. 

Other bills were repeatedly drawn up for the Legislature's action, 
but met with no better fate, and nine long years elapsed before any 
further attempts were to be made in that direction. 

The apathy and indifference of politicians and the people generally, 
who knew but little of the history of the country and apparently cared 
less, left the Veterans of the Mexican War, in the main, to serve as a 
forlorn hope reserve of what might be done in the future, with the 
assistance of a few true and enthusiastic Pioneers belonging to the 
Sloat Monument Association, to hold it intact and wait for events to 
transpire. 

In 1893, the slanderous and libelous attacks upon the members, 
both living and dead, of the Society of California Pioneers, and others 
by the false history of Hubert Howe Bancroft, aroused the indignation 
of that Society to furnace heat. Dr. Washington A^^er, a Vice-Presi- 
dent of that Society, as well as of the Sloat Monument Association, on 
October 2, 1893, brought charges against Hubert Howe Bancroft, and 
presented a resolution for his expulsion as an Honorary Member of that 
Society. The Committee found the facts to be even worse than stated, 
gave a thorough investigation, and as their report fully confirmed the 
charges made, that Society, on February 5, 1894, by a unanimous vote 
of eighty members present, expelled Hubert Howe Bancroft as an 
Honorary Member therefrom, and its action, with the full report of the 
Committee, ordered to be printed and distributed throughout the public 
and prominent private libraries of the United States. . 

Sloat, Fremont, Larkin, Stockton, Vallejo and others, as well as 
General U. S. Grant, were villified, misrepresented and lied about, and 
the Veterans of the Mexican War, in sentiment, approved the action 
taken by the Society of California Pioneers in expelling H. H. Ban- 
croft, while the Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast pur- 
sued their investigation and examination of H. H. Bancroft's miscalled 
"histories," found them so full of misstatements and malignant villifi- 
cation so absurd and ridiculous that they refuted themselves; that that 
Masonic Society took action approving and sustaining the Society of 
California Pioneers in expelling H. H. Bancroft, for there were Masonic 
Brethren among those whom he had so grossly slandered and lied 
about. 

This aroused a spirit of patriotism among the Pioneers and kept the 
fires alive for a considerable period afterwards, and gave the Sloat 



Life ok Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 139- 

Monument Association, largely composed of Veterans of the Mexican 
War, Pioneers and others, a renewal of hope that something might be 
done for the Sloat Monnment. 

Death had invaded the ranks of the Association, and Hon. John M. 
Buffington, President; Captain Thomas J. Knipe, First Vice-President, 
with others, had joined the "great majority." A meeting was called 
by the Second Vice-President, Dr. Washington Ayer, at his office. No. 
215 Gear}' street, San Francisco, on February 8, 1896, to elect new 
officers to fill vacancies, as well as active members. Some twenty new 
members were elected of first-class citizens of San Francisco and Oak- 
land, with several officers of the U. S. Navy. 

Dr. Washington Ayer was elected President, Captain Wm. L. Dun- 
can, First Vice-President; Colonel Joseph Stewart, U. S. A. (retired). 
Second Vice-President; the other officers remaining the same, but 
Hon. Irving M. Scott, Dr. James ly. Cogsw^ell, Colonel Frank Pierce 
(nephew of Ex-President Franklin Pierce), Wm. Frank Pierce, and 
Rev. A. A. McAlister, Chaplain of the U. S. Navy at Mare Island, 
w^ere added to the Executive Committee. And it was resolved to cele- 
brate the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Raising of the American Flag at 
Monterey and invite the Veterans of the Mexican War and Pioneers 
and others to unite in doing so. 

Thus recruited and strengthened, the Sloat Monument Association 
took on new^ life. Its Treasurer, Ex-Governor George C. Perkins, had 
been elected U. S. Senator, and w^e had a "friend now at court." He 
had, on January 20, 1896, taken action, and sent to the Secretary hereof 
the following letter with a copy of the bill, which was read and is 

here introduced: 

(copy) 

United States Senate. 
Washington, D. C, January 22, 1896. 
^^ Edwin A. Sherman, Esq., 

''Secretary of the Sloat 3lonuineut Association, 

"/2/^ Webster street, Oakland, California — 
"My Dear Sir: I enclose herewith a copy of the Sloat Monument Bill, 
which was introduced by me in the Senate. You will see that it is different in 
form from that which you sent on, which was not in the proper shape for passage. 
I have drawn up the bill I send after those of a similar nature which have readily 
passed Congress, and hope that this one may be gotten through without delay. 
The terms mentioned are the only ones on which an appropriation would be 
granted, and they leave the Association at liberty to raise whatever money it can 
and to virtually direct the work. Yours truly, 

Geo. C. Perkins. 

(copy of the bill) 

"54TH Congress, ist Session. S. 1609. 

"In the Senate of the Unitf.d States, 

" January 20, 1896, 



140 Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat 

"Mr. Perkins introduced the following bill, which was read twice and referred to 
the Committee on the Library. 
"A Bill 
"For the erection of a Statue of Commodore John D. Sloat, in the City of Mon- 
terey, California. 

*'Be it enacted by the- Senate and House of Representatives of the United States 
of America, in Congress assembled : 
"That the sum of ten thousand dollars, or so much thereof as may be neces- 
sary, be, and is hereby, appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury not oth- 
erwise appropriated, for the erection of a statue of the late Commodore John D. 
Sloat, within the limits of the City of Monterey, California, and for the proper 
preparation, grading and enclosing of the lot and foundation upon which said 
statue shall be erected, which sum shall be expended under the direction of the 
Secretary of War, or such officer as he may designate; Provided, That the money 
appropriated shall be drawn from time to time only as may be required during 
the progress of the work, and upon the requisition of the Secretary of War; And 
provided further, That no part of the money hereby appropriated shall be so 
expended until a design for said statue shall be accepted by the Secretary of War, 
and until the selection of a suitable lot of land for the erection of said statue, in 
the United States Custom House or military reservation in the City of Monterey, 
shall be approved by the said Secretary of War." 

Scarcely, however, had Senator Perkins introduced the said bill, 
than it was most viciously and malignantly attacked both in Washing- 
ton by letters and hy articles in the Oakland Enquirer, by one George 
Edwards, of the Hubert Howe Bancroft gang, to defeat the passage of 
the bill and the erection of the Sloat Monument. Every possible 
means was employed to accomplish their detestable purpose, and the 
Society of California Pioneers, in expelling H. H. Bancroft from hon- 
orary membership, turned loose a venomous enemy against not only 
the Sloat Monument Association, but against every lover of truth and 
patriotic grateful citizen in California. 

The following letter from U. S. Senator George C. Perkins and his 
reply will certainly commend him to the favor and gratitude of ever}- 
loyal, true-hearted American citizen in California, regardless of an}- 
political opinions, be what they may: 

(copy) 

"United States Senate, 
"Washington, D. C, March 30, 1S96. 
''Hon. Edwin A. Sherman, 

''1212 Webster street, Oakland, Cat. — 
"My Dear Sherman: I have had another letter from Mr. Edwards on the 
Sloat ]V.'onument, and enclose you a copy of my reply for your information. 

"Yours truly, GEO. C. PERKINS." 





W. GEORGE EDWIN KENNEDY, 32^ 
p. M. of Mosaic Lodge No. 21S, Livermore, Cal. Right 
Venerable Second Grand Steward, 1896, 7, 8,9, 1900, 1. 
He celebrated the Centennial Anniversary of American 
Independence July 4, 1S76, by arriving in California by 
rftilroad on that day, and by "the stimulating aid of Cali- 
fornia Climate added thereto, he is fully charged with 
the spirit of 1776. As a Mason, he has no superior; as a 
public spirited citizen and faithful public officer, he is a 
model for all others. Loved by his brethren and neigh- 
bors, for he has carried joy into happy homes. At any 
rate, we have Bro. Nat B. Holmes' word for it, and that 
is as good as a draft upon any bank. 



M. W. EDWARD MYERS PRESTON, P.G M. 
p. G. M., 1895. Second Right Venerable Grand Vice- 
President, 1S99, 1900, I. Arrived lu California June 6, 
1863, via Panama. Ex State Senator. The Father and 
Founder of the Preston School of Industry at lone, Cali- 
fornia, and of the Masonic Widows' and Orphans' Home 
at Decoto, Cal. The pillars of his glory and of his fellow 
citizens and cur fraternal Masonic Veteran's pride. 
Member of the Committee of Design and Construction. 



■ 


^^B- '^^^^^^^^^^11 


M 1 








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^^^^H|k^Pw 




K ' ■:^'-^ii- '''<^^^^| 




^^ 


^^^^^^^^H ' ^1 



CAPT. FRANKLIN J. DRAKE, U. S. N. 
A Master Mason, Late Captain of Mare Island Navy Yard. A member of the Committee of Design and Con- 
struction of the Sloat Monument Association. 






♦=^ 4K^, 





W. BRO. WASHINGTON AYERS, 32°, P.M. 
P. M. Volcano Lodge No. 56, at Volcano, and Excelsior 
Lodge No. 166 at San Francisco. Cal California Pioneer 
of 1S49. One of the truest friends and Masons that ever 
lived, an affectionate husband and father, and at the 
very head of his profession as a skilful physician and 
surgeon. Fourth M. V. Grand President, 18S4, of the 
Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast. (De- 
ceased.) He was one of the founders of the Sloat Monu- 
ment Association and President at the time of his death 
on February 15, 1899. 





MISS CAMILLE JOHNSTON 
Of Oakland, Cal. 
SPECIAL MAID OF HONOR. 
Daughter of Hon. Joseph E- Johnston, late Supervisor 
of Alameda County, and who sent the first County Stone 
for the Monument. She is one of the Committee of De- 
sign and Construction of the Sloat Monument Associa- 
tion. 




MISS ALICE G. CUTTS 
Of Mare Island Navy Yard 
GRAND MAID OF HONOR 
Representative of the U. S. Navy, July 7, iSg5. Daughter 
of Lieut. Commander R. M. Cutts, U. S. N. Great grand- 
daughter of Francis Scott Key, author of the "Star 
Spangled Bsuner." Niece of Dr. John M. Browne, late 
Surgeon-General of the U. S Navy, who was surgeon 
on board of theU. S. Ship "Kearsarge" when she sank 
the Rebel Privateer "Alabama." She has since married 
the gallant Major John T. Myers of the U. S. Marine 
Corps who was severely wounded while bravely leading 
the charge upon the gates of Pekin in the late war in 
China. 



MISS ALICE STEWART 

Of Berkeley, Cal. 

GRAND MAID OF HONOR 

Representing the U. S. Army, July 7, 1896. Daughter ot 
Col. Joseph Stewart, U. S. A. (retired). President of the 
Associated Veterans of the Mexican War. President of 
the Sloat Monument Association of California. A gal- 
lant .soldier and officer, a true gentleman of the old 
school, and a military pioneer of the Pacific Coast, from 
California and Nevada to Alaska. 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 141 

(COPV) 

'■^Geo. Edwards, Esq., 

"2JJ0 Dwighl Way, Berkeley, California — 

"My Dear Sir: Your letter enclosing one from Mr. Henry L,. Oak, relating 
to Commodore Sloat, was received to-day. 

"I must confess that I am at a loss to understand the opposition which seems 
to come from one quarter alone, to the proposed monument at Monterey. The 
statue is to commemorate a great event which even Bancroft's History cannot 
question — the act of taking possession of a vast territory in the name of the 
United States, in which the critics now live. I am glad to say, however, that 
only one or two voices have been raised against the plan, which I hope will be 
carried through and the statue erected without undue delay. 

"Although the previous conduct of Commodore Sloat has no bearing upon the 
fact, that the United States look possession of California on a given date, which 
action is to be commemorated, it may be well to again point out that there are 
among the records of the Navy Department no documents reflecting upon that 
officer in connection with this matter. In fact, the Report of the Secretary of 
the Navy, December 5, 1846, says of the manner in which Sloat carried out his 
instructions, that he 'observed the line of conduct prescribed to him with such 
intelligence and fidelity that no complaint has ever been made of any unauthor- 
ized aggression on his part;' and, further on, that, after having availed himself of 
'a permission which had been given him, in his discretion to assign the command 
to Commodore Stockton, * * * this gallant and meriloriotis officer arrived 
at the seat of government.' 

"Unless the Report of the Secretary of the Navy to which I refer, and of 
which I have a copy, printed in 1846, is considered to be a total perversion of 
truth, it must be acknowledged that the action of Commodore Sloat elicited the 
praise of the United States Government. The report also shows that he was not 
relieved of his command for failing health or for 'other reasons,' which latter I 
submit, even if they existed, it is not the historian's province to assume to mean 
'vacillation amounting practically to disobedience of orders.' In fact, it seems 
to me that there has been, in the preparation of that part of the Bancroft history 
in question, too much assumption. I will submit that 'the belief of most at that 
time,' is not equivalent to a fact, and that if Commodore Sloat declined to take 
action in the face of such orders as he had received, until he had authentic news 
of the commenceruent of hostilities, he showed himself eminently worthy of the 
praise which was given him by the Secretary of the Navy, and worthj' of the 
monument which is to be erected at Monterey. 

"It may be of interest to the writer of the article in the Bancroft history to 
learn that the most diligent search by Lieutenant Young in the archives of the 
Navy Department has failed to bring forth any document or reference which 
detracts from Commodore Sloat's reputation as a faithful officer. 

"I would refer you to the official reports, correspondence and data, endorsing 
Commodore Sloat, to be found in House Executive Documents, 2d Session, 29th 
Congress, Vol. i, Doc. 4, pp. 378 and 379, and pp. 640 to 675, inclusive; also, to 
House Executive Documents, 2d Session, 30th Congress, Vol. i, Ex. Doc. No. i, 
commencing on page 1006. 

"Yours very truly, GEO. C. Perkins." 

This reply of Senator Perkins ought to have forever silenced this 
coyote of the Berkeley Hills, but faihng in Washington he vainly 



142 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

turned his venomous pen against the dead Sloat, and, metaphorically 
speaking, endeavored to stamp upon him in his grave, by his attacks 
upon the gallant hero in the Oakland E7iquirer. 

Pending the action of the bill and the deferring of the matter by 
the Hon. Daniel Lamont, Secretary of War, a direct appeal was made 
by the Secretary of the Sloat Monument Association to President 
Cleveland himself, who lent a most gracious ear. 

We asked that an officer of the U. S. Engineer Corps, or of Gen- 
eral Forsyth's staff, be directed to proceed to Monterey to locate the 
site upon which the monument is to be erected. In accordance there- 
with the orders duly came, and on May 16, 1896, Lieutenant J. 
Reynolds Landis, aide on General Forsyth's staff, accompanied by 
Captain Cassius E. Gillett, of the U. S. Engineer Corps, proceeded, to 
Monterey, and met us there, and, with Captain Thomas G. Lambert 
and Mr. Jacob Bagby, went upon the Military ReserA-ation to the spot 
previoush' selected b}^ us, immediately in front of the ruined earth- 
works of old Fort Mervine, and there marked the site for the monu- 
ment, as now located. These ofl&cers returned and made due report, 
and soon afterwards permission was given by the Secretary of War to 
proceed and lay the Corner-stone, 

This much had been gained. 

Mr. Edward M. Hall, Jr., of Oakland, of the Amador Marble 
Works, and Mr. Ira L. Delano, of the Rocklin Granite Quarries, gen- 
erously offered to contribute the Corner-stone, four feet square and two 
feet in height, and with the name California cut upon its longest face. 
A larger stone, six feet in length, was adopted, and the difference equal 
to an additional stone to be paid for, which was afterwards done. The 
Southern Pacific Railroad Company generously delivered the stone free 
of charge. 

The various Boards of Supervisors of the several Counties of the 
State were invited to furnish stones, each to be four feet long, two feet 
w^ide and two feet thick, and the name of each County cut in a central 
line on its longest face, with the date of its organization, and the date, 
July 7, 1896, the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Raising of the American 
Flag by Commodore Sloat at Monterey. 

Alameda County was the first County to get its stone at Monterey, 
■while several others quickly followed, of which we shall make mention 
hereafter. 

We now have to give an account of the Celebrations of the Fiftieth 
Anniversaries of the Raising of the Bear Flag at Sonoma, on the 14th 
of Jvme, and of the American Flag at Monterey, on July 7th, and at 
,San Francisco, on July 9th, in their chronological order. 



Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat 143 



INITIATORY PROCEEDINGS. 

At a regular meeting of the Associated Veterans of the Mexican 
War held at their hall on O'Farrell Street, San Francisco, Cal., on 
Thursda}^ evening, March 14th, 1895, Major Edwin A. Sherman 
offered the following resolution: 

'"■Resolved, That the Associated Veterans of the Mexican War will celebrate 
the Fiftieth Anniversary of the taking possession of California and raising of the 
American flag at Monterey by Commodore John Drake Sloat of the United States 
Navy on July 7th, 1846, the celebration to be held at that place on Tuesday, July 
7th, 1S96, and that a Committee of Arrangements of three be appointed by the 
Pjesident to carry this resolution into effect." 

The resolution was unanimousl}^ adopted. 

The following named Comrades were appointed as the Committee 
of Arrangements: Major Edwin A. Sherman, Col. Joseph Stewart, and 
Col. Wellington C. Burnett, to which were also added ex officio Presi- 
dent Major Sydney J. Loop and the Secretary, Capt. William E. Duncan. 
Subsequentl5% by- reason of the continued absence of Comrade Well- 
ington C. Burnett in the East, Comrade Charles Lange was appointed 
in his place. 

In September, 1895, Major Edwin A. Sherman, Chairman of the 
Committee of Arrangements, at his own expense paid a visit to the Cit}^ 
of Washington, to have a personal interview with Hon. H. A. Her- 
bert, Secretarj^ of the Navy, and to secure, if possible, several vessels 
of war to aid in the celebration at Montere}^ 

The hearty cooperation of the Secretary of War was promised and 
telegraphed through to the Secretary of the Association and read at the 
Annual Banquet on September 14th, 1895, the 48th Anniversary of the 
triumphant entry of Gen. Winfield Scott and the U. S. Arm}^ into the 
City of Mexico. 

The Sloat Monument Association of California, composed mainh^ of 
Veterans of the Mexican War and Pioneers also took the following 
action on February 8th, 1896: 

"On motion, it was unanimously resolved that this Association unite in the 
celebration by the Associated Veterans of the Mexican War, of the Fiftieth Anni- 
versary of the hoisting of the American flag at Monterey on the 7th of July next, 
and with such other organizations as may there be present on that occasion. And 
if there is time and opportunity, to make provision for the laying of the corner 
stone of the base of the Monument on July 7th, 1S96, by the Grand Lodge of 
Masons of California as a part of the ceremonies, to commemorate the raising of 
the American flag at Monterey by Commodore John D. Sloat of the U. S. Navy 
on July 7lh, 1S46." 



144 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

The Executive Committee of the Sloat Monument Association being 
represented by Vice-Presidents Capt. Wm. L,. Duncan, Col. Joseph 
Stewart, Secretary Major Edwin A. Sherman, Receiver Captain Thomas 
G. Eambert and Rev. A. A. McAlister, U. S. N. , the first three also being 
on the Committee of Arrangements of the Associated Veterans of the 
Mexican War. 

The dela)^ in the passage of the bill in the U. S. Senate, making an 
appropriation of ten thousand dollars for the monument, being caused 
by the secret attack made by one George Edwards of the Bancroft His- 
tory Company of San Francisco, upon the honored fame of Commodore 
Sloat by false representations and slander, had rendered it difficult to 
proceed with the preparations for holding the celebration, or for the 
laying of the corner stone of the elevated base of the monument. The 
passage of the bill by the Senate, however, gave encouragement to the 
Committees of Arrangements of the Mexican War and of the Sloat 
Monument Association. 

Lieut. J. Reynolds Landis U. S. A. (aide de camp to General James 
H. Forsyth, U. S. A.), having been appointed to select the location for 
the site of the Sloat Monument, in company with Capt. Gillett of the 
U. S. Engineers, Major Edwin A. Sherman, Secretary, and Captain 
Thomas G. Lambert, Receiver of the Sloat Monument Association, pro- 
ceeded to the Military Reservation at Monterey, and immediately in 
front of the prolonged angle of Old Fort Mervine where an old iron 
gun is placed, and there on the axis of the hill overlooking the harbor 
and town of Monterey, located the site of the Sloat Monument. 

This having been done, the Committee of Arrangements renewed 
its communications with the War and Navy Departments for the prep- 
arations for the celebration, they having previously given encouragment 
thereto as follows: 



[Letter sent by order of Brig. Gen. James A. Forysth, Commanding Department of California.] 

Headquarters, Department of California, 

San Francisco, April 27lh, 1896. 
Edzvin A. Sherman, Chairman of Committee 0/ Arrangements Associated Vet- 
erans of Mexican War, Oakland, Cat. 
Sir:— Referring to your communication of the 13th inst., addressed to the 
Department Commander, inviting him and command to attend the Semi- Cen- 
tennial Celebration at Monterey, Cal-, in commemoration of the American 
occupation of California and the raising of the American flag at that place, I am 
directed by the Department Commander to inform you that arrangements will be 
made for the presence at Monterey, on that occasion, of a light battery of artillery, 
which will be requested to fire requisite salutes and take part in the ceremonies^ 
that the necessary salutes will be fired on July 7th from San Diego Barracks, 
Alcatraz Island and the Presidio of San Francisco; that from the last-named post 
a salute will also be fired on July 9th, in commemoration of the first hoisting of 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 145 

the American flag thereat; and that your invitation to all the officers of the com 
maud to attend the ceremonies at Monterey has been communicated to them, with 
the request that all such as desire and contemplate attendance on the occasion 
shall so signify to these headquarters a list of the same, which, when received, 
will be furnished to you. Very respectfully, 

O. D. Greene, Asst. Adj. -Gen. 
Note.— Two light batteries were furnished. 



[Letter from Hon. H. A. Herbert, Secretary of the Navy.l 

Navy Department, Washington, May 4th, 1S96. 
W. A. M. 9336. 

Sir:— I have to ackowledge the receipt of your letter of the 23rd ultimo 
inviting me to attend the celebration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the taking 
possession of California and the raising of the American flag at Monterey by 
Commodore John D. Sloat, of the U. S. Navy, and requesting that orders be sent 
from the Navy Department for the vessels now on the Pacific station, on the coast 
of California, to lend their aid in making the celebration a success. I have 
referred your request for the vessels to the Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific 
station, with the suggestion that he will direct one or more of the vessels under 
his command to assist at the celebration, provided the exigencies of the service 
will permit. 

I thank you for your kind invitation to be present at the celebration, and 
regret very much that my official duties will prevent me from accepting. 

Very truly yours, H. A. HERBERT, Secretary. 

Mr. Edwin a. Sherman, Chairman of Committee of Arrangements Associated Veterans of 
the Mexican War, Oakland, California. 



[Letter from General Miles.] 

Headquarters oe the Army, 

Washington, D. C, May 4, 1896. 

Mr. Edwin A. Sherman, 1212 Webster Street, Oakland, California. 

My Dear Sir: — Please accept my sincere thanks for your very kind invitation 
to attend the celebration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the taking possession of 
California and raising the American flag at Monterey, and be assured of my great 
regret that a prior engagement will deprive me of the pleasure of being present 
on that occasion. Very sincerely yours. 

Nelson A. Miles, Maior-General U. S. A. 



[Letter from Admiral Lester A. Beardslee.] 

U. S. Flag-ship Philadelphia, May 20th, 1896 
Major Edcvin A. Sherman, Chairman of Committee, etc., 121 2 Webster Street, 
Oakland, Cat. 
Dear Sir:— Since my interview with you a few days ago at the Occidental 
Hotel, I have resolved to so modify my plans in regard to the movement of the 
flag-ship as to remove the then existing obstacle to her being in position to take 
part in the ceremonies proposed by the Associated Veterans of the Mexican War 
to be held at Monterey on the 7th of July. 

I therefore, with pleasure, accept the invitation conveyed in your note of the 
8th inst., that I should act as one of the Chief Vice-Presidents,— as the Chief 
Representative of the Navy, upon that day, and shall esteem it an honor so to do. 



146 Life of RearAdmiral John Drake Sloat 

Should there be anj' point which at this date 30U would wish to discuss with 
me, I shall be at the Occidental, Sunday, the 24th, up to 2 p. M. I can promise 
you troops and a band. I am, yours trulj'. 

L. A. Beardslee, U. S. N. 

P. S. — Should a call on Sunday not be convenient, it is very seldom that I am 
not every day at the Occidental from 6 to 7:30 p. M., and I presume I shall be there 
at those hours for the week. 



[Letter of acceptauce from 'Williani P. Toler, Esq., who was a midshipnian in the U.S Navy, and 
present at the first raising of the American flag at Moiiterej^ Cal , by Commodore Jones, 
U. S. N., in October, 1S42, and lowered by him; and when Mr. Toler was aide-de camp and 
Signal Officer under Commodore John D. Sloat, he was the one who actually hoisted the 
American flagon the Custom House at Monterey on July 7th, 1S46.] 

Oakland, May 22ud, 1S96. 
Major Edivin A. Sherman, Chairnian Covitiiittee of Arrangenietits Associated 
Veterans of t tie Mexican War. 
Dear Sir. — Please accept my thanks for your kind invitation to myself and 
family to attend the celebration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the taking pos- 
session of California and the hoisting of the American flag at Montere}-, July 7th, 
1846 by Commodore John D. Sloat of the U. S. Navy, to take place at Monterey 
on July 7th, 1896: and if my health at that time will permit me to be present, I 
shall take pleasure in renewing the act of hoisting the American flag at Monterey 

as lequested. 

Very respectfully yours, WiLUAM P. ToLER. 



[Uetterof John Drake Sloat, Jr., the grandson of the late Commodore John D. Sloat, U. S. N.] 

Wentzville, Mo., June 19th, 1896. 
Major E. A. S/ierinan, Chairnian Committee, etc., 1212 Webster St., Oakland Cal. 

My Dear Major: — I wish to acknowledge your favor of the 7tli injt., which 
contained your kind invitation to read the original proclamation of grandfather's 
at Monterey on the eventful day of the coming celebration. Indeed, were it 
possible for me to do so, I would consider it a high honor: but alas, ill health of 
the past two years and business reverses will compel me to forego participation in 
this event. 

Cousin Baj'ard must again do the honors on this occasion as in 1S86, and I 
shall look on from a distance. Again let me thank you for the invitation, which 
I pr ze ver}' highl}^ and which I will shortly have framed. If convenient I would 
be very much pleased to have your photo with your signature thereon to go with 
it. I trust I may some day have the opportunity to grasp the hand of the gentle- 
man who has so nobly defended the name of my grandfather, and in person thank 
you for the great service done. 

With kindest regards, I am, sir, yours very respectfully, 

JNO. D. Sloat. 

Note. — His cousin, the oldest grandson of Commodore Sloat, Lieut. James Bayard Whitte. 
more, who had been previously invited, but waived in favoi of his cousin, John D. Sloat, Jr. 
was then invited to again read the Proclamation as he did before on July 7th, 18S6, which invi- 
tation was accepted, and he performed the duty. 



[Letter of acceptauce of Rev. A. A. McAlister, Chaplain U. S. N.] 

Mare Island, March 26th, 1896. 
Gentlemen: — [ thank the Committee of Arrangements of the Associated 
Veterans of the Mexican War for the kind invitation to act as the Chaplain at the 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 147 

Fiftieth Anniversary of the raising of the American flag at Monterey by Coiumo- 
dore Sloat of the U. S. Navy. 

I highly appreciate the honor which you confer on me, and shall be happy to 
accept the invitation. Yours respectfully, 

A. A. McAlister, Chaplain U. S. N. 
To Messrs. E. A. Sherman, Joseph Stewart, W. C. Bdrnett, Committee of Arrangements. 



[Letter of acceptance of Rev. John H. Macomber, Chaplain U. S. A.l 

Angel Island, Cal., June i6th, 1896. 
Major Edivin A. Sherman, Oakland, Cal. 

Dear Major: — Yours received, and contents noted. In reply, permit me to 
say it will give me great pleasure to accept the honor of serving in the position 
of one of the Chaplains at Monterey July 7th. I know of nothing now that 
would prevent me from being present on that historic occasion. 
Very respectful 1}% your obedient servant, 

John Harmon Macomber, 

Captain and Post Chaplain U. S. A. 

Note. — At the last moment he 'found that he could not be present and sent his regrets, and 
his place was supplied by Rev. O. E- Edmonson, U. S. N., Chaplain of the Philadelphia. 



[Letter from Mrs. Eliza I'ittsinger the Pioneer Poetess ot California. She composed and 
delivered the Foem at the celebration of the 40th Anniversary at Monterey, July 5th, 1SS6.] 

224 Green St., S. F., May 25, 1S96. 
RIajor Edwin A. Sherman, Chairman Committee of Arrangements Associated 
I'eterans of the Mexican War, No. 1212 Webster St., Oakland, Cal. 
Dear Sir: — Your favor, inviting me to become your poet on the occasion of 
the forthcoming semi-centennial celebration of raising the first American flag in 
California by Commodore Sloat is received, and in answer, let me assure you i^ 
will give me great pleasure to comply with your request. I appreciate the honor, 
and will be on the classic ground of old Monterey on the 7th of July next, to 
carry out my own distinctive part of the programme. 

Sinceiely yours, Eliza A. Pittsinger. 

Note. — This lady, though not in affluent circurastance.s, but one of the early pioneer ladies 
of California not only composed the poem for that occasion without charge, but insisted on 
paying her own fare and expenses to Monterey and return, and did so. 



[Letter from Mrs. Jessie Benton Fremont, widow of Gen. John C. Fremont.] 

Los Angeles, June 13, 1S96. 

My Dear Sir: — I have to thank you and, through you, the Committee who 
invite me to be part in your interesting and historical honoring of the raising of 
our flag in Monterey in 1S46. If I went anywhere, I would certainly have deep 
interest in being present, and it would greatly please me to meet those who served 
with General Fremont at that time. But I, too, belong only in memory to what 
was a great day, — truly "the birth of an empire." 

In sending my regrets, let me add my full sympathy in your celebration and 
best wishes for the day. 

Sincerely yours, JESSIE BENTON Fremont. 

To Edwi.m a. Sherman, Esq., Chairman Committee Associated Veterans Mexican War. 



148 Life of Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat 

[Letter of Hon. Edward M. Preston, Grand Master of Masons of California, in reply to letter ot 
invitation and anticipation of the passing of the bill. J 

Grand Lodge of F. & A. M. of California, 

Office of the Grand Master of Masons. 

Nevada City, May 22nd, 1896. 
3Iajor E. A. Sherman, Secretary Sloat Monument Association, Oakland. 

Dear Sir and Bro.: — Your esteemed favor of the 17th inst., with enclosures 
relative to the proposed celebration on July 7th, is at hand. 

I sincerely trust that Congress will grant the appropriation for the monument, 
in which case should it be desired by those in authority, I will convene the Grand 
Lodge for the purpose of conducting the ceremonies of laying of the corner stone 
of the proposed monument to Commodore Sloat. I beg to assure you that I shall 
highly appreciate the honor of participating in the ceremonies on that memorable 
occasion. 

Awaiting your further instructions, I remain, fraternally yours, 

E. M. Preston, Grand Master. 



[Letter from the same of June 26th, 1896, from Nevada City.] 

Major Edwin A. Sherman, Oakland. 

Dear Sir and Bro.: — Your esteemed favor of June 23rd relative to exercises 
at Monterey reached me to-day. 

I am under obligations to you for giving me this timely information, and beg 
to assure you that, should the Grand Lodge be called upon to participate in the 
ceremonies, we will endeavor to accommodate our arrangements to the con- 
venience of the Committee of Arrangements. 

Fraternally yours, E. M. Preston, Grand Master. 



[Letter from the same. Permission having at last been granted by the Secretary of War to lay 

the corner stone.] 

Nevada City, Cal., June 30, 1896. 
Major Edwin A. Sherman, Secretary Sloat Hloniiment Association, Oakland. 

Dear Sir and Bro.: — I am in receipt of your telegram and letter of yester- 
day, and highly appreciate the honor which has been conferred on the Grand 
Lodge in the invitation to conduct the ceremonies of the laj'ing of the corner 
stone of the monument. 

Allow me to thank you personally for the badge of honorary membership in 
your Association which I received at your hands. It is an honor which I prize 
very highly. 

I beg to inform you that I have issued the order convening the Grand Lodge 
at Monterey at 9:30 a. m. on the 7th proximo. 

Fraternally yours, E. M. Preston, Grand Master. 



Hundreds of other letters were received in reply to invitations sent 
to the most distinguished officers of the United States Government, the 
Vice-President, Senators, Representatives, military and naval officers, 
and officers of the State, county and municipal governments of Cali- 
fornia, distinguished citizens, etc., sufficient to fill a good sized book, 
all breathing the spirit of the purest patrotism, expressed in eloquent 



Life of Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat 149 

language and appreciating the honor conferred and praising and en- 
couraging the noble object of the undertaking. Pioneer societies and 
other organizations were duly invited and their acceptances received 
with thanks and placed on file. 

The Southern Pacific Railroad Company manifested a most con- 
siderate and liberal spirit bj^ reducing fares at half rates, going and 
returning from all parts of the State, and transporting the corner-stone 
of the monument from the quarries at Rocklin, Placer County, free of 
charge — it weighing four tons — which favor is gratefully acknowledged ; 
two-thirds of the value of the stone being donated by the Rocklin 
Granite Coriipan^^ to whom our thanks are due. 

The sum of $3,693.15 was contributed by the people of the State, 
of which the sum of $2,063 was contributed by Monterey town, county 
and vicinity, and $1,635 b}^ contributors of San Francisco, all of which 
was placed in the hands of the local committee at Monterey which dis- 
bursed the same. Of this amount but $150 was appropriated towards 
the laying of the concrete and other expenses in laying the corner 
stone of the monument, and including that and all other expenses con- 
nected with the celebration on the 7th of July did not exceed ten per 
cent, of the amount contributed; the ninety and odd per cent, being 
expended by that Committee for a fiesta or festivities on the 4th, 5th 
and 6th of July, in which the Veterans of the Mexican War had no 
interest and were not present to participate in. Consequently as those 
matters were but side shows and of a standard not comporting with the 
dignity of a national patriotic celebration of the Semi-Centennial Anni- 
versary of one of the grandest historic events in the history of the 
American Republic, the Committee of Publication deem it proper to 
make no further reference to those matters whatever. 

The Committee of Arrangements of the Associated Veterans of the 
Mexican War deeming it to be proper that the event of the raising of 
the Bear Flag at Sonoma on the 14th of June, 1846, as a matter of co- 
incidental history should be commemorated also on its 50th anniversary, 
three weeks preceding that at Monterey, correspondence was had with 
some of the survivors of the Bear Flag party, some of whom with 
others who served under Fremont, and the citizens of Sonoma, Napa 
and Lake counties, and a fine celebration was held at Sonoma on 
Saturday, June 13th, 1896, an account of which is herein contained. 

The 50th anniversary of the raising of the American flag at San 
Francisco and the Presidio on July 9th, 1846, by Capt. J. B. Mont- 
gomery, of the U. S. sloop-of-war Portsmouth, by orders of Commodore 
Sloat, the Committee of Arrangements deemed ought not to pass un- 
noticed; but the Veterans of the Mexican War could not take charge 
of the celebration at Monterej' and that at San Francisco at the same 



150 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

time. Accordingl}^ the Exempt Fire Company of San Francisco was 
invited to take charge of the latter celebration, and it did so in the 
most creditable manner, for which they deserve the heart}^ thanks and 
gratitude of every patriotic citizen — a full account of which is made a 
part of this report. 

For further description reference is made to the following account 
given. 

James Layton, 
Joseph Stewart, 
Charles Lange, 

Committee on Piiblicatiori. 



PROCLAMATION. 

Executive Department, Sacramento, Cal. 
On July ytli, A. D. 1846, Commodore Sloat, U. S. N., iu the name of the United 
States of America, raised the flag of our Union at Monterey, Cal., and occupied 
the territory under claim of the National Government. 

July 7th, A. D. 1896, marks the semi-centennial anniversary of this most im- 
portant event in the history of our State, and should be set apart as a day of 
rejoicing by our people. 

Now, therefore, I, James H. Budd, Governor of the State of California, by virtue 
of the authority vested in me by the constitution and laws of said State, do 
hereby proclaim Tuesday, the 7th day of July, A. D. 1896, a holiday. 

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the great seal of 
this State to be hereunto affixed, this 29th day of June, A. D. 1896. 

James H. Budd, Governor, 
ly. H.- Brown, Secretary of State. 



Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat 151 



THE CELEBRATION OF THE FIFTIETH ANNI- 
VERSARY OF THE RAI-ING OF THE BEAR 
FLAG AT SONOMA, CALIFORNIA, 
JUNE 14, 1846. 

The Committee of Arrangements of the Associated Veterans of the 
Mexican War, having invited the people of Sonoma to take the neces- 
sary steps for the celebration of this event three weeks prior to the 
raising of the American flag at Monterey by Commodore Sloat, the 
invitation was promptly accepted. 

The following prominent citizens of Sonoma formed the Executive 
and Sub-Committees: 

Executive Comrmtlee—Vx^^. T. Duhring, Chairman; Robert P. Hill, 
Robert Hall, Geo.O. Campbell, Daniel D. Davisson; Geo. Breitenbach, 
Executive Secretary, and Benj. Weed, Secretary of Sub-Committees. 

The Chairmen of Sub-Committees were as follows: Finance, Hon. 
Robert Howe; Newspaper Correspondence and Press Invitations, N. 
H. Granice; Decorations, G. N. HoUz; Transportation, Daniel D. 
Davisson; Grounds, G. S. Harris; Reception, Henry Seipp; Dona- 
tions, Henry Hartin; Parade, J. E. Poppe; Reception of Ladies, Mrs. 

J. P. Weems. 

The success of the celebration at Sonoma was greatly due to the 
efforts especially of Mr. Daniel D. Davisson and Mr. Fred T. Duhring. 

The following account, taken from the Examiner, Call, Chronicle 
and other newspapers of the following day, together with what is herein 
given by J^Iajor Edwin A. Sherman, he having been invited to serve as 
Grand Marshal of the occasion. It is proper to state that the Hon. 
William M. Boggs, of Napa, was elected and served as Councilman, 
and Major Edwin x\. Sherman was elected and served as the first Clerk 
of the town of 'Sonoma when the late Gen. M. G. Vallejo was Mayor, 
and they two are now the only survivors of the first city government 
of Sonoma in 1851. 

Sonoma, June 13111.— Brave men and fair women joined today in a mighty 
cheer as the' original Bear flag as run up to the peak of the same flagpole that bore 
it iust fifty years ago, when it heralded the bloodless victory that divorced Cali- 
fornia from Mexican dominion and wedded her to the best of all the nations on 
which the sun shines. An enthusiasm worthy of the occasion marked the thrcngs 
that assembled here to day to honor the little band of American patriots that rode 
into the hamlet of Sonoma at daybreak of June 14, 1846, made a prisoner of Gen. 
Vallejo and flung to the breeze the emblem of the new republic. 

From early morning every avenue which gives the town communication with 



152 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

the outside world was thronged with those who would attend the anniversary 
exercises that were to begin at ii o'clock. Excursion trains from the metropolis 
brought a large delegation of Pioneers, several officers of the Grand Parlor of the 
Native Sons of the Golden West, and five hundred or more Native Sons and 
Native Daughters. From Healdsburg, Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Napa and other 
near-by towns came hundreds of excursionists to swell the crowd. Never before 
in the history of the town had so many people assembled at one time, because, 
perhaps, there has never before been so great a source of attraction. 

The entertainment provided the great assemblage, as well as the ceremonies 
of the day, were worthy the occasion. The beginning of the day was marked by 
the firing of anvils, the sharp reverberations awakening echoes along the inclos- 
ing hills and giving notice to rustic and townsman that the time for the much- 
talked-of-celebration was at hand. At intervals throughout the day the firing 
was continued, accentuating the cheers of the multitude around the speakers' 
stand and adding to the demonstration the essential element so dear to the Ameri- 
can heart. Everything was as it should be, and the prepared programme was 
carried out without break of any kind. 

As the delegations arrived from Sau Francisco and other points they were met 
at the railway depot by a committee of citizens and there formed into a pi-ocession 
by Major Edwin A. Sherman, a former citizen of this place of forty-six years ago, 
and the first City Clerk in 1851 under Gen. M. G. Vallejo as Mayor. 

The procession marched through the principal streets and around the plaza to 
the corner where a stand for the accommodation of the speakers had been erected 
beside the sturdy flagpole that has withstood successfully the destroying element 
for more than half a century. There when all had assembled, Frederick T. 
Duhring, one of Sonoma's prominent citizens, introduced Mayor Henry Seipp, 
who delivered an address of welcome. Mayor Seipp said: 

Mr. President and Citizens of California: — On behalf of the people of this 
valley and city I welcome you to our hospitality. Though the boundaries of our 
corporation are not extensive, and the posibilities of our wealth and population 
are not many, we feel high pride in the part this valley has taken in the growth 
of the State. 

It was here the first step was made that brought this region under the Stars 
and Stripes. It is here, after a lapse of fifty years, we meet under that banner to 
pay homage to the spirit of adventure which has since the earliest time been the 
genius of our development. From the vantage point of these fifty years we may 
review the events of our growth. 

The June of 1846 smiled upon an almost virgin soil. Communication with 
civilization was irregular and infrequent. The natives were vastly in the majority, 
and the conditions of progress were wanting. Now the peaceful homes of oiir 
people are seen on every hand. The fruitful soil bears bears rich burdens of 
plenty. The occurrences of yesterday are the subjects of our conversation today. 
The Indian is a thing of the past. 

So great have been the changes that it is with difficulty we comprehend the 
gigantic strides with which the present has been reached. The first signal of the 
grand march of progress was by the patriots of our high destiny unfurled from 
yonder. They could not see the present, but, urged on by supreme confidence in 
the goddess of our fortunes, they placed an empire at her feet. Swiftly dormant 
energies quickened and the wild became tame. The institution of liberty and 
law soon found foothold and the hopes that were are the realization of to-day. 

So it is well we remember our birth into the republic of liberty and pay tribute 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 153 

to the spirit that plunged into the vast wilderness of the West and builded this 
empire of the Pacific. We bid you welcome. The freedom of the city is vours. 
May your sojouru in our midst long be pleasantly remembered. Honor to the 
Bear Flag! Hail to you all! 

Henry C. Gesford, president of the day, followed the Mayor, prefacing his re- 
marks by saying that his duties were not those of an orator, though he could not 
refrain from giving brief expression to a few of the thoughts called into life by 
the occasion that brought his hearers together. Continuing, he said: 

History is a record of man's achievements and their results, and it is the pride 
of every Californian that to the early pioneer is traced the first beatings of the 
great heart of this commonwealth, and that in the magnificence of the California 
of to-day we see the proud results of the victories of these vanguards of our State- 
hood. We honor ourselves in paying homage to the memory of these men, most 
of whom now sleep beneath the oaks of these valleys, We have with us on this 
occasion survivors of that heroic band who will now raise aloft the rude banner 
which, born in revolution, hallowed by age and endeared by time, is an inspira- 
tion to every man who cherishes the history of this great State and reveres the 
memory of those heroes of '46. 

As the speaker closed, two of these survivors of the Bear Flag party B. F. 
Dewell and Henry Beeson — the others, Harvey Porterfield of Napa county, and 
Thomas Knight of San Francisco, were absent— attached the tattered old flag to 
the suspended halyards and slowly hoisted the symbol to the top of the staff. 
The act was greeted by continued cheering. 

Following this ceremony came the reading of a historical essay by Robert A. 
Thompson of Santa Rosa. He dwelt at length on the achievements of the men 
who proclaimed the California Republic. He said: 

Of that gallant band of thirty-three that captured Sonoma, only four are now 
known to be living, and two of them are with us to-day. The rest have passed 
away, but if ever the spirit of the departed returns to the most potent scenes of 
its earthly activity then, though all unseen, the spirits of those brave men are in 
our midst to-day. But I see in the future a monument to their memory. It 
stands upon this plaza, a late but deserved tribute to their valor. The typical 
grizzly guards its base; upon the polished surface of its four-square shaft are 
emblazoned the names of the Bear Flag men, and it is crowned with a statue of 
their beloved California. 

Merton C. Allen, orator of the day, paid a brilliant tribute to the memory of 
those who were first in the struggle to relieve California from Mexican dominion. 
He said: 

Nearly nineteen centuries ago a new star arose in the far East. It was a star of 
hope that guided the shepherds, who watched their flocks by night, to a humble 
manger where lay the Christ-child at Bethlehem. The light of that wondrous 
star has come down through the centuries. It illumines the pages of history, and 
now, as in days of long ago, points the way to Him all people know as the Savior 
of mankind. 

Standing on this platform, under the influence of a thousand memories which 
are called to mind by the day and the occasion, another star confronts me. It is 
the lone star of the California Republic. I see it emblazoned on that historic 
Bear Flag which floats so proudly over our heads. In every line and fold of that 
old banner I read a lesson that should b,e dear to every California heart. To me 
the lone star is a source of inspiration. It renders a little more dear the knowl- 
edge of my nativity, and reminds me that as the star of Bethlehem guided men 



154 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

in olilei) limes to the birthplace of Christ, so did the star which first flashed into 
into view on that old flag inspire the men of another day to a deed of heroic 
valor, to which we owe the fact that to-day this great territory of California is a 
part of the United States. 

The speaker reviewed the history nf tlie Bear Flag movement, defended the 
motives of those who participated, resented the unjust criticisms of prejudiced 
historians, and added: 

Be history written as it may, the Bear Flag has a permanent place in the 
affections of that growing body of young men who call themselves the Native 
Sons of the Golden West. They love the banner of 1846 for the principle of 
American independence which it typifies, and as long as the Order lives, the men 
who helped to raise the banner of the bear and star are assured an honored plica 
in the sacred album of memory'. 

The Rear Flag stands for home and native land. It became all the more dear 
to California hearts on that memorable 9th of September, 1850, when the lone 
star of self became merged in the constellation of national unity, and California 
was proclaimed the thirty-first State in the American Confederation. 

The speaker paid a high tribute to the patriotic spirit of Californians, and con- 
gratulated his audience upon the wonderful growth and advancement of the State 
since the days of the Bear Flag, and concluded in these words: 

No words could enlarge a fame that is destined to endure as long as history. 
Sufficient be it that in passing 1 raise in honor of the departed pioneer a simple 
shaft of kindly thought. About the column I entwine the two historic flags 
which his hand helped to raise for the good of mankind. May the tears of angels 
water the flowers of tender memory which grow about him, and the breezes of 
heaven chant a requiem over his grave. 

Major Sherman being called upon, spoke briefly but eloquently of the history 
of the men of the old town of Sonoma, paying a just tribute to the memory of 
Geu, M. G. Vallejo, who was in favor of California becoming a part of the Ameri- 
can Republic and opposed to its being made British territory by being sold by the 
Central Government of Mexico to pay the Eqglish debt. Here in Sonoma was 
where the Headquarters of the Pacific Division of the U. S. Army in 1850-1-2-3 
were located, with Gen. Persifor F. Smith in command, with his staff, composed 
of Lieutenant-Colonel, afterwards Gen. Joseph Hooker, who was then Assistant 
Adjutant General, Major Hiram Leonard, Paymaster, Major Phil. Kearney, also 
afterwards General, the first at the head of his command to enter the City of 
Mexico before its surrender, and to lose his arm at the Gate of Beleu. Here also 
was Lieutenant George Stoneman, afterwards General, and later to become the 
Governor of California. Also Lieutenant George H. Derby, of the Engineer 
Corps, who was the prince of wags, known as "John Phoenix" and "Squibob," 
whose name and fame is known throughout the breadth and length of the Pacific 
Coast and wherever the army button is worn. 

Here was where the prjtty Missouri girls lived who had recovered from the 
alkali of the plains, whose cheeks were like roses, their eyes shing with the blue 
depths of heaven, and whose ruby lips were wet with nectar and honey-dew upon 
which the humming-birds delighted to feed, as well as other birds without any 
feathers, though the down might be growing that would develop into hirsute 
appendages. But the girls of those days were now grandmothers, were now too 
old to kiss, and he would have to look to the younger generation for the ancient 
refreshment of Platonic love upon the lips while "Fond memory brings the light 
of other days around him." 



Life of Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat 155. 

He returned his thanks for the kind remembrance and the honor conferred 
upon him in inviting him to come from his home in Oakland to act as Grand 
Marshal upon this historic occasion, which was an honor indeed unexpected and' 
most gratefully appreciated. 

His remarks were received with hearty applause. 

At the close of the speech-making every one so disposed repaired to the tables 
built under the trees of the plaza, and all were there served with barbecued meats 
from smoking pits, where the fires had been going since Friday morning. 



THE REVOLT AT SONOMA. 



Love of Liberty Moved the Men of '46 to Cut Adrift 
From Mexico. 



" a day, an hour of virtuous liberty- 
Is worth a whole eternity of bondage." 

Let those who will, allege that the raising of the Bear Flag was a 
precipitate act, the sentiment of these lines of Addison is all the justi- 
fication that need be offered, if indeed any be required. The men of 
'46 raised the s^-mbol in the cause of libert}'. 

The raising of the Bear Flag at Sonoma just fiftj' 3^ears ago — June 
14, 1S46 — precipitated unquestionably the entr}" of California into the 
Union, The time was ripe. A strong, firm hand was needed to blaze 
otit the path of a more enlightened civilization. Mexico, so deeply 
engaged with her own affairs, had neither time nor interest sufficient to 
pay heed to the requirements of her department — California. The 
civil and military atithorities here were continuallj' at swords' points, 
and as a result crime stalked unchecked; justice, unknown as a reality, 
was a name only; education was neglected, and there was a well- 
grounded belief that the Mexican authorities intended, sooner or later, 
to expel the foreign settlers from their adopted homes. It but required 
some such suggestion as that made by the heroes of Sonoma to center 
attention on the path to relief. The rest came naturally. 

Early in January of 1846, Captain John C. Fremont, of the LTnited 
States Army, in command of an exploring expedition, entered Cali- 
fornia via the Truckee route and encamped in the vicinity of what 
became Kern and Fresno counties. He spent some time in camp, then 
went to Sutter's Fort, subsequently visiting both San Jose and ]\Ion- 
terey. At the latter place he had a conference with Thomas O. Lar- 
kin, who was the Consular representative, as well as the confidential 
agent of the United States Government in California. 

Commandante Jose Castro, who, with Pio Pico, the Governor, 
divided Mexican authority in California, could not fail to learn that 
Fremont was at Monterey and had left a body of armed "explorers" at: 



156 Life of Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat 

Sutter's Fort. He demanded from Consul Larkin an explanation of 
the visit. Castro was informed that the object of the "pathfinder" was 
to survey a practical overland route to the Pacific. It was also stated 
that Fremont and his party were going north to Oregon. 

The Captain and his men did not at once take up the trail north- 
ward, but marched south via Santa Teresa, over the Santa Cruz 
mountains and via Los Gatos to Santa Cruz, and then inland to the 
Salinas valley. This took place immediately after the conference with 
Consul Larkin, and Jose Castro joined Prefect Manuel Castro in a 
demand that Fremont withdraw at once. The Captain declined abso- 
lutely, intrenched himself on Gabilan Peak, and for the second time 
the Stars and Stripes were hoisted by an American soldier in California. 
This was on March 6, 1846. 

Castro mustered a couple of hundred men with the idea of dislodg- 
ing the Americans, but thought better of it and gave up the plan. 
Fremont leisurely withdrew from his peak and marched north. 

Another representative of the LTnited States Government then put 
in an appearance — Lieutentant Archibald H. Gillespie, of the United 
States Marine Corps. He was sent to cooperate with Larkin and Fre- 
mont in the peaceful annexation of California. 

Gillespie went after Fremont with letters from the Government as 
well as from Larkin, reaching Lassen' s rancho on May 24th. Even Hu- 
bert Howe Bancroft in his ingenious description of the career of Fremont 
in these days admits that the policy of the United States was clearly 
made manifest to Larkin, Fremont and Gillespie, and that the policy 
was to seize California in the event of war with Mexico. 

To the rumors that were current in the northern part of the State 
at that time, as a result of the clash between Fremont and Castro, were 
added stories, more or less founded on fact, of threatening proclama- 
tions issued by General Castro against Americans. So it happened 
that when a report reached Fremont's camp that Castro was gathering 
an army to drive the foreign settlers from the country, a small and 
courageous body of men under Ezekiel Merritt set forth from Fremont' s 
camp determined to check any advance or perish in the attempt. On 
Sunday, June 14, 1846, with a following of perhaps thirty-three men, 
Merritt marched to Sonoma, quietly took possession and hoisted over 
the city the standard of the California Repubhc, known ever since to 
history as the Bear Flag. 

The act may have been precipitate, but there was every incentive 
for the men to strike for their homes and inaugurate what they hoped 
would be a better state of affairs. 

The men who raised the Bear Flag at Sonoma were Ezekiel Merritt, 
William B. Ide, John Grigsby, Robert Temple, Henry Beeson, H. L. 



Life of Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat 157 

Ford, William Todd, William Fallon, William Knight, William Har- 
grave, Samuel Kelsey, G. P. Swift, Samuel Gibson, W. W. Scott, 
Thomas Cowie, William B. Elliott, Thomas Knight, Horace Sanders, 
Henry Booker, David Hudson, John Sears, J. H. Kelley, C. C. Griffith, 
Harvey Porterfield, John Scott, Ira Stebbins, Marion Wise, Ferguson, 
Peter Storm, Patrick McChristian, Bartlett Vines, John Gibbs, George 
W. Williams, Andrew Kelsey, Benjamin Kelsej^ and Benjamin Dewell. 

Of this party there are but four survivors — Harvey Porterfield, Ben- 
jamin Dewell, Henry Beeson and Thomas Knight. 

Mr. Dewell answered a few days ago the questions propounded by 
Bancroft, to wit: " Who furnished the cotton? Who the flannel? 
Whence came the red paint? Was the cloth new or old? Had the 
flannel graced the undergarment of a fair and patriotic lady, or had it 
filled a humble station as a part of a man's red shirt?" 

Mr. Dewell's answer describes the flag graphically. 

"The pioneer does not remember who furnished the cotton, but 
cotton was plentiful. Red flannel was very scarce, however. Mrs. J. 
Grigsby and Mrs. W. B. Elliott furnished the red flannel. The latter 
supplied all she could from a petticoat, and then from the leathern- 
shirted throng a committee of one was chosen to call upon Mrs. Grigsby 
for the remainder." It happened that the lady was in the act of cutting 
up red flannel for an expected baby Grigsby. She yielded, however, to 
the exigency of the hour and denied herself and her unborn babe that 
the flag might be completed. 

"The flag was made," said Dewell a few days ago, "in the front 
room of the barracks, just at the left of the door, and most of the sew- 
ing was done by myself. 'Bill' Todd painted the bear and star with 
black ink. The colors — red, white and blue — were used because they 
were the colors of the United States flag. The bear was selected as 
representing the strongest animal found in that section of the country. 
The language of the flag was; 'A bear stands his ground always, and 
as long as the stars shine we stand for the cause.' " 

Mrs Dewell, who was a daughter of the petticoat-sacrificing Mrs. 
Elliott, remembers the flag well. She says it consisted of nine or ten 
stripes alternating in white, red and blue, with a blue .square in the 
upper corner next the staff, a black star on the first white stripe, and a 
black bear on the second white .stripe. Underneath the bear were the 
words, "California Republic." The bear and lettering were in ink. 
Thomas Cowie helped Dewell in the sewing, as thc}^ were both saddlers 
by trade. The result of their labors may not have been a work of art, 
but it .stood for the grandest .sentiment which can inspire men to noble 
thoughts and deeds; it stood for libert}^ 

With the hoisting of the flag an accomplished fact, it was but 



■158 Life of Re.vr-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

natural that these men should desire to be known as something else 
than a mere party of filibusters, and so they supplemented the declara- 
tion which the Bear Flag itself made with a proclamation. This pro- 
nunciamento was written by Ide himself and bore the date June 15, 
1846. The original is in the possession of the Society of California 
Pioneers, and its text is as follows: 

A Proclamation to All Persons, Citizens of vSonoma and Country 
Around Requesting Them to Remain at Peace and to Follow 
Their Righiful Occupation Without Fear of Molestation. 

The commander-iu-cliief of the troops assembled at the fort of Sonoma gives 
his inviolable pledge to all persons in California not found under arms that they 
shall not be disturbed in their persons, their propertj' or their social relations one 
to another by men under his command. He also solemnly declares his object to 
be, first, to defend himself and his brave companions in arms who were invited to 
this country by a promise of land on which to settle themselves and families; 
who were also promised a Republican government; who, when having arrived in 
California were denied even the privilege of buying or renting laud of their 
■friends; who instead of being allowed to participate in or being protected by a 
Republican government, were oppressed by a military despotism; who were eveu 
threatened by proclamation from the chief officer of the aforesaid despotism with 
extermination if they would not depart out of the country, leaving all their 
property, their arms and beasts of burden; and thus deprived of the means of 
flight or defense, we were to be driven through the deserts, inhabited by hostile 
Indians, to certain death. To overthrow a government which has seized the mis- 
sions for its individual aggrandizement, which has ruined and shamefully 
oppressed the laboring people of California by their enormous exactions on goods 
imported into the country, is the determined purpose of the brave m^n who are 
associated under his command. 

He also solemnly declares his olject in the second place to be to invite all 
peaceable and good citizens of California, who are friendly to the maintenance of 
good order and equal rights, aud I do herebj- invite them to repair to my camp at 
Stjnoma without delay to assist us in establishing and maintaining a Republican 
Government which shall secure to all civil and religious liberty; which shall en- 
courage industry, virtue and literature; which shall leave unshackled by fetters, 
commerce, manufactures and mechanism. 

He further declares that he relies upon the rectitude of our intentions, the 
favor of heaven and the bravery of those who are bound to and associated with 
him by the principle of self-preservation, by the love of truth aud by the hatred 
of tyranny — for his hopes of success. 

He further declares that he believes that a government, to be prosperous and 
happifying in its tendencies, must originate with its people who are friendly to 
its existence; that its citizens are its guardians, its officers are its servants and its 
glory their reward. WiLLlAM B. IDE, Commander. 

Headquarters Sonoma, June 15, i8i]6. 

This narrative of the .stand taken by brave men may be closed with 
a quotation from one of their number, Robert Semplc: 

A single man cried out, "Let us divide .the spoils," but one tuii- 



IviFE OF Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 159 

versal, dark, indignant frown made him shrink from the presence of 
honest men, and from that time forward no man dared to hint anything 
like violating the sanctity of a private house, or touching private 
property. Their children in generations yet to come will look back 
with pleasure upon the commencement of a revolution carried on by 
their fathers upon principles high and holy as the laws of eternal 
justice. 



Thus the celebration of the raising of the Bear Flag at Sonoma 
on June 14th, 1846, was brought to a happy close, the fitting prelude 
to the celebration of a greater event but far less perilous to the partici- 
pants in the raising of the American flag at Monterey by Commodore 
John D Sloat, on the 7th of July, i<S46, a little more than three weeks 
afterwards. 



[Copy of letter received.] 

SoNOM.\, Cal., June 15th, 1S96, 
Major E . A. S/icnnan. 

My Dear Sir: — On behalf of the Executive Committee, I wish to thauk you 
for your services as Marshal of the parade. We look upon your speech at the 
foot of the flagpole as one of the events of the day. Your obedient servant, 

Benj. Weed, Secretary Executive Committee. 



i6o Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 



THE CELEBRATION OF THE FIFTIETH ANNI- 
VERSARY OF THE RAISING OF THE AMER- 
ICAN FLAG AT MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA, 
BY COMMODORE JOHN DRAKE SLOAT, 
U. S. N., JULY 7TH, 1846. 



The Laying of the Corner-Stone of the Sloat Monument 

BY the M. VV. Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted 

Masons of the State of California, at 

Monterey, July 7TH, 1896, 

On account of the limited time for carrying out the entire programme 
of the day, and as a large portion of the organizations could not arrive 
by the trains until noon, the Sloat Monument Association deemed it 
best that the corner-stone should be laid at 10:30 o'clock in the fore- 
noon of July 7th, 1896, and the arrangements were made accordingly. 

The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of 
California assembled in the Hall of Monterey Lodge No. 217, F. & A. 
M., where it was opened in ample form with the following officers: 

M. W. Edward Myers Preston, Grand Master. 

R. W. William Thomas Lucas, Deputy Grand Master. 

R. W. Thomas Grafton Lambert as Senior Grand Warden. 

R. W. Frank Marion Angellotti, Junior Grand Warden. 

V. W. Edward Coleman, Grand Treasurer. 

V. W. George Johnson, Grand Secretary. 

V. R. Jacob Voorsanger, Grand Orator. 

W. Edward Swift West, Grand Marshal. 

W. Henry Jameson Burns as Grand Standard Bearer. 

W. Henry Calcutt Keyes, Grand Sword Bearer. 

W. Jerome Bonaparte Richardson, Grand Bible Bearer. 

W. William Monroe Petrie, Senior Grand Deacon. 

W. William Frank Pierce as Junior Grand Deacon. 

W. John Randolph Patrick as Senior Grand Steward. 

W. H. C. Levy as Grand Pursviivant. 

W. Samuel David Mayer, Grand Organist. 

W. William James Towle as Grand Tiler. 

The Grand Lodge assembled with the officers and members of Mon- 
terey Lodge No. 217, F. & A. M., as follows: 

W. Thomas Grafton Lambert, Master. 

William Kav, Senior Warden. 



Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat i6r 

Will Jacks, Junior Warden. 

James Bowman Snively, Treasurer. 

William Edward Crawford, Secretary. 

Wm. M. R. Parker, Senior Deacon. 

Edward Grimes as Junior Deacon. 

Edward Spencer Josselyn, Senior Steward. 

H. A. Olmsted, Junior Steward. 

William James Towle, Tyler. 

And the following members: 

Thomas Bralee, Andrew Bronson, Jacob Warren Bugby, Samuel S. 
Boyle, Abner Bassett, Theodore Webster Cook, Mason Lorenzo Dexter, 
Samuel Franklin Geil, Adolph Garrick, Ferdinand Gunzendorfer, 
Edward Ingram, Matthew Collins Ireland, Henry Edmund Kent, 
David Spencer Little, William Henry Pyburn, Frank Pierce, John R, 
Patrick, D. D. Spencer, Isaac N. Swetnam, Luther S. Toothaker and 
Jonathan Wright, with the Masonic Veteran Association and following 
visiting Brethren: 

F. A. Abbott, Washington Ayer, J. W. Baum, C. E. Brown, L. A. 
Brownell, E. B. Church, J. T. Collins, W. M. Carrick, Samuel H. 
Collins, B. Coleman. R. Dixie, Charles W. Decker, C. E. Davison, W. 

E. Edmonson, Thomas Flint, James K. P. Fancher, Joseph Figel, J. 
W. Grimes, Wm. Hubbard, J. G. Hoey, F. Hawes, Robert Hall, O. S. 
Henderson, H. Hinkle, Royal R. Ingersoll, Isadore Jacobs, H. H. 
Kirby, S. Lorenzen, Samuel W. Levy, J. H. Lanyon, L. B. Luther, 
Oswald Lubbock, O. J. Lincoln, Robert Munch, A. A. McAlister, M. 
J. O'Brien, F. O. Oak, James Orr, J. A. Petersen, S. M. Raineley, 
Wm. Sutton, T. W. Shmeckel, E. H. Safiey, G. W. Sill, Edwin A. 
Sherman, Thomas J. Tidball, James Topley, Robert A. Williams, and 
many others who failed to register, numbering in all about one hun- 
dred and fifty Master Masons representing fifty or more lodges in Cali- 
fornia and a few others elsewhere. 

In the meantime, a battalion of seamen and marines from the U. S. 
Flagship Philadelphia and the Monitor Monadnock, under the com- 
mand of Brother and Lieutenant-Commander Royal R. Ingersoll of the 
Philadelphia, and preceded by the Marine Band of that ship, were 
drawn up in line in front of the hall of Monterey Lodge No. 217, of 

F. & A. M. 

As the Grand Lodge of Masons appeared and formed in line of 
procession, the naval battalion presented arms, while the band played 
an appropriate air. When all was arranged, the naval battalion was 
ordered into column by divisions, and acting as escort to the Grand 
Lodge of Masons, and led by Major Edwin A. Sherman as Grand 
Marshal mounted on horseback, the procession moved down Alvarado 



i62 Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat 

street, which was gaily decorated, past the Old Custom House, thence 
up Decatur street to the road leading to Pacific Grove to the entrance 
to the Militar}^ Reservation, passing in review of the naval battalion 
which returned to the ships of war. The Masonic procession moved up 
to the front of the prolonged angle of Fort Mervine, and thence directly 
east to where the corner-stone was ready to be laid; signal men were 
placed to signal to the ships of war in the harbor the moment the 
stone was laid. 

A large concourse of people, numbering several thousands, covered 
the old entrenchments of Fort Mervine, the crown and slopes of the 
hill, and where Admiral Beardslee and his staff, the officers and mem- 
bers of the Sloat Monument Association with a few scattered veterans 
of the Mexican War sprinkled in the throng, the main bodies of which 
latter had not yet arrived. 

When the Grand Master, Edward M. Preston, had taken his station 
with the other Grand Officers of the Grand Lodge of Masons of Cali- 
fornia around him, and all was in readiness, Bro. Dr. Washington 
Ayer, M. D., of San Francisco, President of the Sloat Monument 
Association, stepped forward with the trowel in hand, and addressed 
the Grand Master as follows: 

Most Worshipful Graud Master Edward M. Preston, of the Grand Lodge of 
Free and Accepted Masons of the State of California: — We have assembled here 
to-day to commemorate one of the most important and interesting events in the 
annals of our country, and to honor the memory of one who was not only brave 
in battle in the defense of his country, and upon the ocean amidst the perils of 
storms, but was also brave in his integrity and determination to perform his duty 
promptly and well. 

Fifty years ago to-day Commodore John Drake Sloat raised the emblem of 
freedom — the "Old Glory" of his country — near the ground we now occupy, 
which act led to the achievement of one of the most important conquests re- 
corded in history, and which gave peaceful possession of California, Nevada and 
Utah, with more than 350,000 square mile.'^ of territory to the United States. 

We are here to lay the corner-stone upon which will be built a monument to 
his memory and become an enduring expression of the gratitude of the American 
people for the patriotism, loyalty and fidelity he displayed to his country in the 
hour when the great interests of the Nation were imperiled by the voice beyond 
the sea, and in that supreme moment of danger when the English fleet, com. 
manded by Admiral Seymour on the CoUingwood, was within sound of the can- 
non upon the American warships Savannah, Cyane and Levant then safely 
anchored in the bay of Monterey. 

Then the spirit of American freedom hovered over this fair land of fruits, 
vines and flowers in perennial bloom and revealed the future destiny of California 
to the world, which is now the brightest star in the galaxy of States. W^ith mines 
of untold wealth, having already produced more than $1,600,000,000 of gold, and 
with forests of the giant sequoia, the grandest waterfalls in the world, the most 
sublime and charming mountain scenery, salubrious climate, orange groves and 
orchards laden with every variety of fruit, and vineyards whose vintage is found 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Si,oat 163 

throughout the civilized world, and the voice of thrift is heard through the valleys 
where the sunset's afterglow cheers the hours of departing day. 

These are all the inheritance, bequests and blessings secured by the act of a 
brave man, whose name posterity, through succeeding generations, will hold in 
sacred esteem, and no cowardly and unscrupulous historian will dare ever again 
to outrage his memory or attempt to impeach his integrity. 

The assassination of true history and the malicious libels upon the life and 
character of Commodore Sloat by a pseudo historian of California should give his 
voluminous labors a prominent place in obscurity. 

The events of that period of 1846, so full of imminent danger to the acqui- 
sition of this favored land, gave birth to a new and higher civilization along the 
whole of the Pacific Coast, and well may our country feel proud of the achieve-' 
ment and well can it afford to build monuments to the memory of its heroes 
dead— monuments which shall stand as the repositories of that spirit of patriotism 
and gratitude which animates the hearts of a free and intelligent people. 

A monument like the pyramids of Egypt may express only an idea of stability 
or so much force and labor expended without the reward of history; but when the 
granite shaft becomes the embodiment of a sentiment of gratitude as the eyes 
gaze upon it, it inspires a desire to rise above the average man in the path of 
patriotic duty and elevates one to the dignity and true nobility of the citizen. It 
becomes the object lesson of faith in the army and upon the field of battle, and is 
the beacon-light and bow of promise to the brave. 

Love of country is the natural instinct and birth-right of all nations and tribes 
of men; and the higher the civilization, the more sacred becomes the obligation 
of a free people to preserve the acquisitions of conquests against the possible 
invasion of a foreign foe, and the encroachment of undesirable neighbors. Our 
country may rightfully feel proud of its achievements and the acquisitions of its 
conquests upon the Pacific Coast. 

To keep alive and perpetuate the memory of those early stirring times of 
California during the brief struggles for its acquisition and separation from its 
parent government, the 7th of July should be made for the future a National 
legal holiday — equal in importance to the 17th of June — that the hearts of our 
youth may be filled with patriotism, while they sing their hymns of rejoicing, 
and then we should realize more than we have yet done the great benefits secured 
by the conquest of this sunset land; where now the voice of the murmuring ocean 
is the lullaby of the midnight slumbers of the Nation. Here no longer the vigi- 
lant eye grows weary with its long vigils — the heart-throb of patriotic doubt and 
fear are now lulled into serene repose, and there is no longer fear that a hostile 
invading army will attempt to wrest from our grasp the coveted prize of fifty 
years ago — a prize then made an eternal bequest to freedom by the immortal 
spirit of Commodore John Drake Sloat, whose eulogy will be fittingly pronounced 
by the orator of the day. 

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted 
Masons of the State of California: Believing you to be equally skilled in operative 
as 5'ou are in speculative masonry — in accordance with an ancient and time- 
honored custom, the Sloat Monument Association invited you to be present to- 
day to lay the corner-stone of the monument commemorative of the heroic deeds 
of a brave and loyal officer of the navy; and I now present you with this trowel, 
which will assist you to perform your labor. You will see that the stone is level — 
you will see that it is plumb and that it is square — ihat future generations shall 



164 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

find it as you leave it, as unchauged and true as the patriotism planted in the 
hearts of the American people. 

The M. W. Grand Master Edward M. Preston in response expressed 
his high appreciation of the honor extended to the Grand lyodge of 
Masons. It was fitting that the Masons should on this day unite with 
the people of the Pacific Coast in paying homage to the memory of 
Sloat, and so, too, in laying a corner-stone of a monument to him. The 
speaker drew a beautiful picture of the trowel and cement, which was 
emblematic of the cement that ties the craft of Masonry in bonds of 
fraternity. The trowel, he said, would be treasured by him as a 
beloved memento of this great day, which, he declared, would through- 
out the ages be as an emblem of patriotism. His address was 
applauded warmly. 

Dr. Church, acting Grand Chaplin of the Grand Lodge, then pro- 
nounced an eloquent prayer, at the close of which the Grand Lodge 
replied in unison, "So mote it be." 

The National hymn "America" was then sung by the Masonic 
Choir and the vast audience, led by Bro. Samuel D. Mayer, the Grand 
Organist. 

Grand Master Preston then addressed Dr. Washington Ayer, the 
President of the Sloat Monument Association, as follows: 

On behalf of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of 
California, I formally accept your invitation, Mr. President, and will proceed with 
the ceremony of laying this foundation stone; and may the shaft which is to be 
erected hereon remain a monument to truth, justice, and heroic patriotism. 

The Grand Master then addressing the Senior Grand Warden, said: 

Brother Senior Grand Warden: It has been the custom among the Fraternity 
of Free and Accepted Masons, from time immemorial, to assemble for the purpose 
of laying the foundation stones of public buildings or of such other structures as 
are intended to commemorate great public events or the patriotic services of great 
public men, when requested so to do bv those having authority. The Grand 
Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of California, having been 
invited bj' the Sloat Monument Association of California to lay the foundation 
stone of the monument proposed to be here erected in honor of the late John 
Drake Sloat, Rear Admiral, U. 8. Navy, who when Commodore and in command 
of the Pacific Squadron, and in obedience to orders from the U. S. Government, 
landed here and hoisted the American flag, taking possession of California on 
July 7th, 1846, and on this the 50th anniversary of that event, it appearing to me 
to be one of the proper occasions for such services as just related, that body has, 
by my order, been here convened, and it is my will and pleasure that it do now 
assist me in the performance of that welcome duty. This you will communicate 
to the Junior Grand Warden, with instructions that he thus inform the Crafty 
that they, and all others here present, may be duly notified thereof. 

The Senior Grand Warden then communicated the order to the 
Junior Grand Warden, as follows: 










MRS. ELIZA A. PITTSINGER, 
Of San Francisco, Cal. 
The Pioneer Poetess of Caliloniia, ami the author of 
"The Bugle Peals." She was the Poet on the occasion 
of the Celebration at Monterey, July .sth, iSS6, and of 
that at the same place, on July 7th, iSg6, insisting on 
paying her own fare going and returning, her expenses 
while there, and giving her services gratuitously on 
both occasions. Such patriotism is indeed praiseworthy 
and deserving of mention. Her poem will speak for 
itself. 



MRS. BLAKE-ALVERSON, 
Of Oakland, Cal. 
She is the daughter of the late Rev. Henry Kroh, one 
of the Pioneer Ministers who came here in 1S48 in Com- 
pany of Col John C. P'remont. Mrs. Alverson is the 
oldest singer of note in California, her first notes were 
sung in Stockton, Cal.. at the age of fifteen, in the year 
1S52. She has had the honor of singing for all the 
prominent demonstrations given in California, her 
voice was always given to promote the advancement of 
every good for the land she loved and the flag she re- 
vered. She sang for \Vm. Seward, Secretary of State, 
Presidents Benjamin Harrison and William McKinley 
on their visits to California, and she is singing yet with 
her usual acceutance that has followed her all these 
years during the growth of this her beloved State, 
California. 




■•'^^'^<ii^-^^. 







-"SSMf}; 



MRS. THOMAS G. I^AMBERT, 
Of Monterey, Cal., 
Who, with her husband, Capt. Lambert, was in charge 
of and resided in the Old Custom House at Monterey 
for upwards ol twenty years, keeping it in good repair 
without any assistance from the U. S. Government. 
We have enjoyed their hospitality in it and out of it. 
She is one ol the best wives and truest patriotic women 
in California or elsewhere. She gave the use of her lot 
for the Grand Stand without charge on July 7th, 1S96. 



MRS. EMILY A. FISH, 
Keeper of Point Pinos Light House, Monterey Harbor, 
Cal. Chairman oi the Ladies' Reception Committee at 
Monterey, Cal., July 7th, 1S96, and July 7th, 1902. An 
elegant and hospitable lady of the finest character. 
She keeps the light in Uncle Sam's window for me and 
for you and everybody else, and is faithful to the trust 
reposed in her. 





LIEUT. J. REYNOLDS LANDIS, U. S. A. 

First Regiment of Cavalry. Aide-de-Camp to Gen. 
James W. Forsyth, U. S. A., Commanding Department 
of California. Appointed by orders from the Secretary 
of War to make the selection of the site for the Sloat 
Monument at Monterey, Cal. Active Member of the 
Sloat Monument Association. 



CAPT. CASSIUS E. GILLETTE, 

Of the U. S. Engineers, 
Who assisted in making the location of the site for the 
Sloat Monument, at Monterey, Cal. Active Member of 
the Sloat Monument Association. 





BRO. ALEXANDER P. MURGOTTEN 

Of Friendship Lodge, No. 210, F. and A. M., California. 
Honorary Member July 7th, 1896 of the Masonic Veteran 
Association of the Pacific Coast. Active Member of the 
Sloat Monument Association and to whom we are in- 
debted for the loan of several ot the half-tone pictures 
in this work, 



ENSIGN EDWIN H. DODD, U. S. N. 

Now on the U. S. Ship "Boston." Who rendered valu- 
able assistance ip the preparation of this work. 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 165 

Brother Junior Grand Warden: It is the will and pleasure of the Most Worship- 
ful Grand Master, that the Grand Lodge of F. & A. M. of California do now assist 
in laying the foundation stone of the monument to be here erected in honor of 
the late John Drake Sloat, Rear Admiral of the U. S. Navy, who when Commodore 
and in command of the Pacific Squadron, and in obedience to orders from the U. 
S. Government, landed here and hoisted the American flag, taking possession of 
California on July 7th, 1846, and on this the 50th anniversory of that event. 

The Junior Grand Warden then repeated the order to the assem- 
blage as follows: 

Brethren: It is the will and pleasure of the Most Worshipful Grand Master of 
Masons of the State of California, that the Grand Lodge thereof do now proceed 
with the ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the monument to be here 
erected in honor of the late John Drake Sloat, Rear Admiral of the U. S. Navy, 
who when Commodore and in command of the Pacific Squadron, and in obedience 
to orders from the U. S. Government, landed here and hoisted the American flag, 
taking possession of California on July 7th, 1846, and on this the 50th anniversary 
of that event. Of this you will take due notice, and govern yourselves accordingly. 

The Grand Master then addressing the Grand Treasurer said: 

Brother Grand Treasurer: It has ever been the custom of the Craft upon occa- 
sions like the present, to deposit within a cavity in the stone placed at the 
northeast corner of the edifice (or of the foundation stone of a monument) cer- 
tain memorials of the period at which it was erected; so that if, during the lapse 
of ages, the furj' of the elements, the violence of man, or the slow but certain 
ravages of time, should lay bare its foundations, an enduring record may be 
found by succeeding generations to bear testimony to the untiring, unending in- 
dustry and fidelity of the Free and Accepted Masons. Has such a deposit now 
been prepared ? 

The Grand Treasurer responded: 

It has. Most Worshipful Grand Master, and with accompanying testimonies, is 
safely enclosed within the casket now before you. 

The Grand Master then said to the Grand Secretary: 

Brother Grand Secretary: You will read the list of the contents of the casket 
to be deposited. 

Whereupon the Grand Secretary read the following list of the con- 
tents to be deposited: 

LIST OF ARTICLES. 

Name of the President of the United States, names of the Secreta- 
ries of State, the Navy and War Departments, a photograph of Sloat, 
roll of officers of the "Philadelphia" and "Monadnock," roll of veterans 
of the Mexican war, name of the Governor of California, names of 
the United States Senators and Congressmen from California, printed 
proceedings of the last session of the Grand Lodge of F. and A. M. , 
list of Monterey count}- and cit}' officials, copies of newspapers printed 



i66 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

in Monterey count}", the Chronicle, Examitier and Call of San Fran- 
cisco, piece of staff on which Sloat' s flag was hoisted fifty years ago, 
poem by Mrs. Eliza Pittsinger, Constitution and By-Iyaws of the Ma- 
sonic Veterans' Association, list of members and officers of the Sloat 
Monument Association. 

After the reading, the Grand Master said to the Grand Treasurer: 

Brother Grand Treasurer: You will now deposit the casket in the cavity be- 
neath the foundation stone; and may the great Architect of the Universe in His 
wisdom grant that ages upon ages shall pass away ere it again shall be seen of 
men. 

The Grand Treasurer, with the assistance of brethren as was neces- 
sary, then placed the casket in the cavity prepared in the lower stone. 
The Grand Honors were then given. 
The Choir then sang the following Ode: 

Place we now Foundation Stone, 
True and trusty Brothers own; 
Let us bring with hearts sincere 
Hands to help and voice to cheer. 

Proved by the Grand Master's hand, 
Long may this foundation stand! 
May its superstructure rise 
In grace and beauty 'neath the skies. 

Let us join in songs of praise 
That this monument we raise, 
And ages hence, men bless the day 
Our flag was raised at Monteiey. 

The Grand Master having the Trowel preented by the President of 
the Sloat Monument Association, the Principal Architect distributed 
the rest of the working tools of the Grand Officers, giving the Square 
to the Deputy Grand Master, the lycvel to the Senior Grand Warden, 
and the Plumb to the Junior Grand Warden; when all descended to 
the stone and placed themselves around it as follows: the Grand Master 
at the East, the Deputy Grand Master at the North, the Senior Grand 
Warden at the West, and the Junior Grand Warden at the South. The 
Grand Master (assisted by some workmen ready for the purpose) then 
spread the cement upon the lower stone and directed the upper one to 
be lowered to its place. This, a block of granite of the same size as 
the one below, six feet in length, four in width, two in thickness and 
w'eighing four and a half tons, having been suspended by a strong der- 
rick; and at signals given, was lowered at three separate intervals, the 
Grand Honors being given by all the assembled brethren at each stop- 
page of the stone. When it had been adjusted in its place, the Grand 
Master pointed the cement about its edges, and then, addressing the 
Deputy Grand Master, said: 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 167 

"Brother Deputy Grand Master, what is the jewel of your office?'' 
Deputy Grand Master: "The Square, Most Worshipful." 

Grand Master: ''Then you will apply the Square to those portions of the 
stone which should be squared." 

The Deputy Grand Master then appUed the Square to the various 
corners of the stone, and responded: 

"I have obeyed your order, Most Worshipful Grand Master, and find in that 
respect the Craftsmen have done their duty." 

The Grand Master then addressed the Senior Grand Warden, say- 
ing: 

"Brother Senior Grand Warden, what is the jewel of your office?" 
Senior Grand Warden: "The Level, Most Worshipful." 

Grand Master: "You will apply the Level to the stone and see if it be laid in 
a manner creditable to our Ancient Craft." 

The Senior Grand Warden then applied the Level to the surface of 

the stone, and responded: 

"I have obeyed your order, Most Worshipful Grand Master, and find that the 
stone has been well leveled by the Craftsmen." 

The Grand Master then addressed the Junior Grand Warden, say- 
ing: 

'•Brother Junior Grand Warden, what is the jewel of your office?" 
Junior Grand Warden: "The Plumb, Most Worshipful." 

Grand Master: "You will apply the Plumb to the stone and see if it has been 
properly adjusted." 

The Junior Grand Warden then tried the several sides of the stone 
with the Plumb, and responded: 

"I have obeyed your order, Most Worshipful Grand Master, and find that the 
work of the Craftsmen in that respect has been skillfully performed." 

The Grand Master then giving the stone three blows with his gavel, 
said: 

"The Craftsmen having faithfully and skillfully thus far performed their duty, 
I declare this foundation stone to be well formed, true and trusty. May the 
monument which is to rest upon it, remain throughout the ages an eloquent, 
albeit a silent, testimony of the faithful patriot in whose honor it is to be erected, 
that cannot be forgotten, and that his memory will be more enduring even, than 
such a work of any human hands. May the entire work be completed by the 
Craftsmen, the Architect and Sculptor, and all engaged therein, in peace, love, 
and harmony— they suffering no contention among themselves except that noble 
and fraternal one as to who best can work and best agree." 

The Grand Marshal then distributed the vessels of Corn, Wine and 
Oil, respectively, to the Deputy Grand Master, the Senior Grand War- 
den and the Junior Grand Warden, the Band meanwhile playing a 
joyous air. 



i68 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

The Deputy Grand Master then poured the Corn upon the stone, 
saying: 

"May the Grand Architect of the Universe strengthen and sustain the Crafts- 
men while engaged in this important work; and may He ever bountifully vouch- 
safe the Corn of nourishment to all employed in honest and useful toil." 

The Senior Grand Warden then poured the Wine upon the stone, 
saying: 

"May the Great Giver of all good enable the Craftsmen in due time to com- 
plete this beautiful structure; and, during their intervals from labor, may they 
constantly be blessed with that refreshment of which this Wine is emblemat- 
ical." 

The Junior Grand Warden then poured the Oil upon the stone, 
saying: 

"May the blessing of Heaven descend upon this and all good works; and may 
our loved Fraternity long exist to pour forth the Oil of Joy upon the hearts of 
the widowed, the fatherless and the distressed." 

The Grand Master then said: 

"May the all-bounteous Author of Creation lend aid to those who have con- 
ceived and thus far carried on this goodly enterprise; may He protect the work- 
men emplo5'ed upon this monument from every accident, and long protect it for 
the object which it is destined to subserve; and may He grant to us all an ever- 
bountiful supply of the Corn of Nourishment, the Wine of Refreshment, and the 
Oil of Joy." 

Then addressing the Principal Architect and directing the several 
Working Tools to be placed in his hands, the Grand Master said: 

"Brother Principal Architect: Relying upon your skill in our noble art, I now 
confide to you these implements of Operative Masonry. May this undertaking 
be speedily accomplished; may there be no envy, discord or confusion among 
the workmen; and may you perform the important duties with which you have 
been charged, not only to the satisfaction of those who have entrusted you with 
their fulfillment, but in such a manner as shall secure the approbation of your 
own conscience and redound to the honor oi" our Ancient Craft." 

The Grand Master and his Officers then returned to their seats, 
while the Choir sang the following Ode: 

ODE. 

( 7M«e— UXBRIDGE.) 

Great God of Nations! now to Thee 

Our hymn of gratitude we raise; 
With humble heart and bending knee. 

We offer Thee our song of praise. 

When driven by oppression's rod, 
Our fathers fled across the sea; 
Their care was first to honor God, 
And next to leave their children free. 



Life of Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat 169 

Here Freedom spreads her banner wide 

And casts her soft and hallowed ray; 
Here Thou our father's steps did guide 

In safety through their dangerous way." 

We praise Thee that Thine Own Great Light, 

Through all our land its radiance sheds; 
Dispels the shades of Error'' s night, 

And heavenly blessings round us spreads. 

The Grand Master then stepped upon the stone and gave the order 
to Major Edwin A. Sherman, who signaled to the signal officer sta- 
tioned a little below, who signaled to the ships of war, the "Philadel- 
phia" and "Monadnock," in the harbor, which immediately thundered 
forth a Rear Admiral's salute from their heav}^ guns, while three 
rousing cheers were given by the vast audience assembled upon the 
slopes of the hill, the whole being a panorama and picture of indescrib- 
able grandeur and beauty, of mountain, valley and sea, of ships of war 
wreathed in clouds of white smoke and the sharp flashes of fire, with 
the thundering roar of the cannon shaking the hills and their echoes 
reverberating and rolling far beyond up the distant valleys, made a 
scene that will never be forgotten by those who witnessed it and par- 
ticipated in it. 

The Grand Master then introduced W. Bro. Jacob Voorsanger, the 
Grand Orator of the Grand Lodge, who delivered an eloquent oration, 
which was highly appreciated by all and met with frequent and heart}' 
applause. He said: 

"To-day the roll of honor of California is unrolled, and thirty years after his 
death the name of John D. Sloat is mentioned by the populace as that of the 
man who opened the gates of California and gave it rank among the States of the 
Republic of the West. It is not often that the roll of honor is opened, and 
happy is the man who thirty years after his death is thus honored. John Drake 
Sloat stands to-day as one of the most distinguished officers of the United States 
Navy. The lives of him and his men were forever at his country's call. He 
sailed his ship over the ocean in unknown seas, blindly following his duty to his 
country, " 

The reverend speaker said that there were two ways of opening a 
new country. One was by taking forcible possession, the other by 
colonization. He gave a short history of these methods, bringing his 
subject down to modern times, when the Anglo-Saxon and Spaniard 
set the example of colonization. These two peoples met here in the 
West, and the Anglo-Saxon stem proved to be the better; so when the 
American flag was hoisted at Monterey, it was a sign that the country 
should be no longer subject to a few hidalgos or a few churches, but, 
on the contrary, to a new regime under which the citizen owed no al- 
legiance but to the glorious flag above him. And so this gathering 



170 Life of Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat 

had not been held to lay the corner-stone and to honor Sloat' s memory 
alone, but to celebrate the anniversary of the birthday of liberty on the 
Pacific shores. 

The Rabbi dwelt at some len^^th on the possibilities of the future and 
the destinies of America. In conclusion, he prayed that heaven might 
grant the boon that in church and school the native sons and daugh- 
ters might be worthy to stand for all time with their brothers and sis- 
ters of all America. As the years pass, so, too, he hoped the monu- 
ment to John D. Sloat at Monterey would, in the language of granite, 
salute and welcome ships from the West as they came into the bay 
from foreign lands. 

The Grand Chaplain pronounced the benediction, while the Masons 
and spectators stood with heads bowed and uncovered, and the cere- 
mony of laying the corner-stone of the Sloat Monument by the Grand 
IvOdge of Masons of California was done. The procession was reformed 
and the Grand Lodge marched to the hall of Monterey Lodge, No. 
217, F. and A. M., which had thus celebrated its Silver Wedding and 
the Grand Lodge was closed in Ample Form. 

[It was greatly to be regretted that the Manager of the Executive 
Committee at Monterey had made no provision for refreshments for the 
Grand Lodge when so much money had been contributed from abroad, 
and ample to have furnished a generous collation; but it was owing to 
the neglect and incompetencv of the "Director-General," so-called. — 
E A. S.] 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE SLOAT MONUMENT 
AvSSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA. 

Dr. Washington A3'er, President, San Francisco. 
Captain Wm. L. Duncan, First Vice-President, San Francisco. 
Col. Jos. Stewart (U. S. A., ret.). Second Vice-President, Berkeley. 
Major Edwin A. Sherman, Secretary, Oakland. 
Hon Geo. C. I^erkins (U. S. Senator), Treasurer, Oakland. 
Captain Thomas G. Lambert, Receiver, Monterey. 
John A. Cooper, Sergeant-at-Arms, San Francisco. 
The first six officers and the following gentlemen compose the Exe- 
cutive Committee: 

Hon. William M. Boggs, of Napa. 
Hon. Jesse D. Carr, of Monterey. 
Hon Irving M. Scott, of San Francisco. 
Dr. James L. Cogswell, of San Francisco. 
Col. Frank Pierce, of San Francisco. 
Rev. A. A. McAlister, U. S. Navy. 
Hon. William Frank Pierce, of Oakland. 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 171 

The arrival of the trains from San Francisco and elsewhere an hour 
earlier than was expected brought the Associated Veterans of the Mex- 
ican War and the Society of California Pioneers, which were soon fol- 
lowed by other Veterans of the Mexican War from Stockton, Sacra- 
mento, Sonoma, Los Angeles and other localities, with other Pioneers 
and a vast number of people besides. 

The Society of California Pioneers having provided refreshments 
from San Francisco, at their chosen headquarters, they invited the As- 
sociated Veterans of the Mexican War to be their guests and share 
their hospitality with them, as there had been no provision made for 
them whatever by the incompetent manager of the local Executive- 
Committee. 

The frequent changes made by the local committee and its manager 
as to the lines of formation produced confusion in orders, different from 
those arranged by the Grand Marshal and the Chairman of the Com- 
mittee of Arrangements of the Associated Veterans of the Mexican 
War, caused much vexation and delay, but at last matters were half' 
way straightened out, and the procession moved, with a portion of it 
going wnth the current and in a state of bewilderment and doubt. 

The route of procession was from Del Norte depot along Perry 
street to Washington, to Franklin, to Pearl, to Alvarado, and thence 
to the Custom House. 

The First Division was led by Grand Marshal Jacob R. Leese and 
aides, followed by Companies D and F of the United States Artillery. 
Then came the band from the flagship "Philadelphia," followed by the 
white battalion of that ship and of the "Monadnock," under the com- 
mand of Lieutenant Commander Royal R. Ingersoll, Troop C of Cav- 
alry, Captain Burke, of the National Guard of California of Salinas. 

The military and • naval parade moved with precision, while the 
elasticity and beauty of the general harmony of the movement of the 
naval brigade in marching with an ease and grace was admirable, and 
in marked contrast to that of the machine-like accuracy that character- 
izes the army drill, yet both equally effective in time of action. They 
were greeted wnth rousing cheers by the people. 

The Second Division was led by Major Sidney J. Loop, President 
of the Veterans of the Mexican War, numbering in all about 150 from 
all parts of the State, who were immediately followed by the Hon. 
Niles Searles, Vice-President of the Society of California Pioneers, and 
others, and about the same number of the Grand Army of the Repub- 
lic, who were also greeted with a like demonstration of applause. 

Then came a float with a cannon and emblems, and upon it standing 
erect, with her right hand resting upon an American shield and^her 
left holding a rod with the Phrygian Cap upon it, was Miss Edna In- 



172 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

gram, gracefully attired as the Goddess of Libert}^ Behind her came 
the Living Flag of 200 little girls dressed in red, white and blue, led 
bj^ A. W. Jones, and making a handsome appearance. 

Then came in a carriage two special Maids oi Honor to California, 
Miss Alice Stewart (daughter of Col. Joseph Stewart of the U. S. A., 
retired) representing the U. S. Army, and Miss Alice G. Cutts (great- 
granddaughter of Francis Scott Key, the author of the Star Spangled 
Banner) representing the U. S. Navy. 

Then came the chief float, upon it in front a representation of the 
old Custom House at Monterey, in the center a huge dolphin with a 
throne upon its back, and behind it a grizzly bear erect by a block of 
granite. On this float appeared California in gorgeous golden robes 
represented by Marian S. Barney, of Oakland, the great-granddaughter 
of Col. Jonathan D Stevenson; in front of her Miss Schaufele, who 
represented Monterey, and Miss Rogers, Pacific Grove, carrying the 
golden key between them. There were also upon the float a part of 
California's special Maids of Honor, all but one being daughters and 
granddaughters of Veterans of the Mexican War — Miss Camille John- 
ston, of Oakland; Misses Daisy D. and Ruth Wright, of Pacific Grove 
(both natives of Monterey, the first having been born in the old Cus- 
tom House); Misses Louise E. M. Knudson, Agnes Lange, Kathleen 
Mullen, Louise Heron, of San Francisco, and Miss Anna A. Ketchum, 
of Stockton. 

The float was followed by carriages containing the representatives 
of the counties of the State, carrying beautiful silk banners of red, 
white and blue, respectively — Alameda, Miss Violet C. Lubbock; 
Butte, Miss Bessie Collins; Colusa, Miss Mae Green; Contra Costa, 
Miss Clara K. Wittenmeyer; Los Angeles, Mi.ss Pearlie Gleason; Lake, 

Miss ; Marin, Miss Agnes M. Watson; Monterey, Miss 

Grace E. Burr; Napa, Miss Fowler; Placer, Miss Clara Wortell; Sac- 
ramento, Miss Cora Llammer; San Francisco, Miss Constance Law- 
rence; San Joaquin, Miss Ellen Patton; Santa Clara. Miss Diasy Cross; 
Santa Cruz, Miss Anna Struve; Solano, Miss Marie English; San Luis 
Obispo, Miss Dicie May Graves; Yuba, Miss Nellie O'Brien. The 
other counties were represented by young ladies as proxies, but the 
names could not be learned. 

These were followed by the Grand Parlor of Native Daughters, 
Native Sons of the Golden West, Boards of Supervisors, Monterey 
County Officials. Monterey City Officials, Pacific Grove Officials and 
State Officials. 

The Third Division, with firemen as escort, followed b}- the Fores- 
ters of America with a float representing a cabin in the woods. It was 
a fine realistic representation, with the men appropriately dressed, and 




1 



]f9 



"W^ 



COL. WELLINGTON C. BURNETT, M. M. 
Ex-Presideut of the Associated Veterans of the Mexi- 
an War. He bravely charged with his regiment in 
le successful assault upon the Castle of Chapultepec, 
[exico, on Sept. 14th, 1S47. He wasoue of the Founders 
f the Sloat Monument Association. 




CAPT. WM. L. DUNCAN, 
Of San Francisco, Cal. 
Past President and Secretary of the Associated Vet- 
erans of the Mexican War. Ex-Vice-President of the 
Sloat Monument Association of California. He was a 
Lieutenant and acting Captain of Co. B in Col. Edward 
Baker's Regiment of 4th Illinois Volunteers, and ren- 
dered good service especially in the battles in front of 
the City of Mexico. 





COL. A. ANDREWS, 32°, 
Of San Francisco, Cal. 
Past President of the Associated Veterans of the 
exican War. He served as Captain of Co. A, Second 
?giment of Ohio Volunteers, and did good service in 
e battles in front of the City of Mexico. Colonel for 
any years on the staffs of the Governors of California, 
s is a Life Member of the Masonic Veteran Association 
the Pacific Coast. A California Pioneer of 1849. The 
diamond Palace" under the Russ House, San Fran, 
ico, is his magic work of taste and art, unequalled in 
e world for richness and beauty, and so pronounced 
Parisian Connoisseurs. 



MAJOR SIDNEY J. LOOP, R. A. M., 

Of Alameda, Cal. 
Ex-President of the Associated Veterans of the Mexican War 
(for the third term). President of the Board of Trustees of the 
Veteran's Home at Yountville, Cal. He belonged to Co. G, ist U. 
S. Artillery, and served his country well in Mexico. He is a 
member of the Sloat Monument Association. He is also an 
Active Meniber of the Masonic Veteran Association ot the Pa- 
cific Coast, 



Life of Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat 173 

the presence of a live deer upon it as well, made it very true to nature. 
These were followed by the Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, A. O. 
U. W., with float, and other civic societies. 

The Fourth Division contained the President, Officers of the Day, 
Admiral L. A. Beardslee and staff, and other Vice-Presidents and citi- 
zens in carriages. 

The whole procession was cheered along the line from the begin- 
ning to the end, and as California with her Maids of Honor and the 
representatives of the several counties alighted at the grandstand, a 
general shout of welcome greeted them from the Veterans of the Mexi- 
can War, the Pioneers and the vast multitude of people that had gath- 
ered, while in front drawn up on two sides of a square which was kept 
open, were aligned the Naval Battalion under command of Lieutenant 
Commander Royal R. Ingersoll, and at the foot of the flagstaff stood 

Lieutenant Roper of the "Monadnock" with a group of half a 

dozen or so of men who had served under Commodore Sloat, and were 
at Monterey with him fifty years before in the frigate "Savannah," 
"Cyane" and the "Levant" sloops-of-war — Thomas Bralee, of Mon- 
terey; John D. Richards, of Montana, and James Buchanan, ofYount- 
ville. 

The grandstand was completely filled with the Veterans of the 
Mexican War, Pioneers, Living Flag, and invited guests and officers 
of the day, with the following full list of Vice-Presidents, the most of 
whom were present: 

Hon. Stephen M. White and George C. Perkins, U. S. Senators, 
and Hon. James McLachlan, J. G. Maguire, E. F. Loud, W. W. Bow- 
ers and J. A. Barham, of the Congressional delegation from California: 
Gen. James W. Forsyth, U. S. A., and Admiral Lester A. Beardslee, 
U. S. N.; Col. O. D. Greene, Lieut. -Colonels Evan Miles, L- B. M. 
Young, J. G. C. Lee, J. V. D. Middleton, A. S. Kimball, Majors A. 
C. Bates. B. F. Pope, Tully McCrea, Surgeon C. C. Munn, Judge Ad- 
vocate L. W. Groesbeck, U. S. A.; Col. Joseph Stewart, U. S. A. (re- 
tired), Cols. J. W. McKenzie, W. C. Burnett, A. Andrews, Major S. 
J. Loop, John L. Bromley, C. Lange, A. McDonald, Gen. Thomas A. 
Ketcham, V. M. W.; Rear Admirals D. B. Harmony and Kirkland, 
Captains Henry L. Howison, George W. Sumner, Albert S. Barker, 
Charles S. Cotton and Nicoll Ludlow^ Commanders Charles G. Clark, 
B. H. McCalla, George W. Pipman, Lieut. -Commander Royal R. In- 
gersoll, Inspector James A. Hawke, Paymasters Wm. J, Thompson and 
Henry T. Skelding, Chief Engineers George F. Keutz and John Lowe, 
and Major Percival, of the U. S. Navy; Gen. R. H. Warfield, N. G. 
C; Cols. Charles Fred Crocker, Theo. H. Goodman and Frank Pierce, 
Dr. Washington Ayer, Hon. Jesse D. Carr, Irving M. Scott, Wm. M. 



ii74 Life of RearAdmiral John Drake Sloat 

Boggs, W. F. Pierce, W. S. Green, W. W. Morrow, O. S. Henderson, 
W. H. Beatty, L. R. Ellert, Thomas Harris, Adolph Sutro, VV. M. 
Bunker, H. N. Tilden, Niles Searles, Jacob H. Neff, W. T. Wallace, 
H. C. Gesford, Edward Ingram, T. J. Field, D. J. Murphy, J. R. 
Campbell, Revs. Jacob Voorsanger, P. W. Riordan, W. F. Nichols 
and Horatio Stebbins, Dr. James L. Cogswell, Edward Taylor 
James D. Phelan, Joseph Figel, Samuel W. Levy, S. H. Collins, 
Raphael Weill, O. S. Trimmer, M. H. De Young, C M. Shortridge, 
W. R. Hearst, Hugh Craig, John Rosenfeld, W. C. Ralston and 
others. 

When all had taken their places. Major Edwin A. Sherman, Chair- 
man of the Committee of Arrangements of the Associated Veterans of 
the Mexican War, introduced Hon. Edward Ingram, Mayor of Mon- 
•terey, who delivered the following brief but appropriate address of 
welcome: 

President Loop and Veterans of the Mexican War: By your patriotic devo- 
tion to country, by your heroic deeds of valor upon the field of battle, this 
golden Pacific was brought beneath the folds of the Stars and Stripes, the glo- 
rious emblem of our country. For fifty years has this gem been set in Columbia's 
jeweled crown, and now, upon the occasion of this semi-centennial celebration, 
the citizens of California's ancient capital extend to you as a token of their cor- 
dial welcome their hands, their hearts and their home that you may participate 
in the festivities that commemorate the day on which the gallant Sloat flung to 
the breeze the proud banner of this great Nation, 

To which President Loop replied as follows: 

Hon. Mayor Ingram and Citizens of Monterey: Accept the thanks of the 
Veterans of the Mexican War and their friends from all parts of our loved Cali- 
fornia who have come here to assist in celebrating once more on this historic spot 
the event of half a century ago, for the kind welcome received at your hands. 

Ten years ago we came here and celebrated the Fortieth Anniversary as we 
now do to-day, but then not on such an extensive scale. 

On March 14, 1895, at a meeting of the Associated Veterans of the Mexican 
War, held in San Francisco, our comrade, Major Edwin A. Sherman, offered a 

. resolution that a committee of three be appointed to make arrangements to cele- 
brate the Fiftieth Anniversary of the taking possession of California and the 
Raising of the American Flag at Monterey on July 7, 1846, which was unani- 
mously adopted. As President of the Association, I appointed Major Edwin A. 
Sherman, Col. Joseph Stewart and Col. W. C. Burnett as the Committee of Ar- 
rangements. The latter's continual absence from the State necessitated the ap- 
pointment of Comrade C. Lange, Vice-President, in his place. How well and 

• faithfully their duties have been performed this demonstration of their comrades 
and fellow-citizens will attest. 

Major Sherman, as Chairman of the Committee, had acted in that capacity 

-■ ten years ago, and which then proved to be a grand success. One year ago he 
went to Washington at his own es;pense, and secured the promised aid and coop- 
eration of the Secretaries of the Navy and of the War Departments, whose 
promises have been most faithful!}' carried out, as the presence of these arms of 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 175 

the service in the persons of Admiral Beardslee with his squadron, and Major 
McCrae with two batteries of light artillery by order of Gen. Forsyth, are here to 
attest. 

The Chairman of our Committee of Arrangements has faithfully served with- 
out compensation or reward, satisfied with having at great self sacrifice brought 
his plans to a glorious success, the result of his untiring patriotic devotion and 
labors, in the laying the Foundation Stone of the Sloat Monument by the Grand 
Lodge of Masons of this State, and this celebration that we now have in hand. 
(Applause.) One word about the "Boys of Fifty Years Ago," for there are some 
here to-day, that were here then, to aid in hoisting that flag, and the great ma- 
jority who fought to secure it there, who served under Generals Taylor and Scott 
from the Rio Grande to the City of Mexico, and made it permanent for all time. 
Native Daughter and Native Son, be kind and forbear with the veteran of 
1846-7-8. Remember the vast empire acquired by his valor and privation, both 
on land and sea, that he has given you, and if he is a "back number," turn the 
last leaves of his life over gently. 

Fellow-citizens, I had hoped to have had the pleasure of introducing to 30U 
as President of the Day, a man who has proved himself the friend of the old 
veteran by making this 7th day of July a State holiday, and again when there 
were reports that the State appropriations for the maintenance of our comrades at 
the Soldiers' Home was in danger, I telegraphed him, and within an hour the 
reply came: "Do not worry, the veterans are all right." Illness has kept our 
most excellent Governor, James H. Budd, from being present; but our Committee 
has presented us with a most able and worthy substitute, and it now gives me 
great pleasure to introduce to you the Hon. James McLachlan, the Congressman 
from this district, the President of the Day. 

The remarks of President Loop and the reception of Hon. James 

McLachlan, President of the Day, were met with rounds of applause. 

Congressman McLachlan, as President of the Day, spoke as follows: 

Ladies and Gentlemen: When I received a message last Saturday, asking me 
to come here and act as presiding officer of this day, I regretted exceedingly that 
I had not more time in which to prepare myself. But, fellow-citizens, I am sure 
that you did not come here today to listen to any remarks from the presiding 
■ofiBcer, whoever he might be. 

The Committee of Arrangements has selected those who are to recount to you 
the meaning of this great day, and you are here to listen to what they may say. 

Fellow-citizens of Monterey, this is a day of interest, not only to the citizens 
of Monterey, not only to the citizens of California, but it is a day which every 
citizen of the great United States of America takes pride in celebrating. 

I am glad to day that I am here in some small degree representing the Gov- 
ernment at Washington, to show the interest that the great Government of the 
United States take in this occasion. If Commodore Sloat were here to-day no 
one would be more surprised than he at the assembled multitude he would see 
before him. 

We are here to do honor to him to-day and those brave veterans who made it 
possible for the flag which he raised — our flag — to continue to float forever from 
that pole upon which he raised it upon that day. 

Little did Commodore Sloat dream of the great importance to this Nation of 
the land that he declared on that day a portion of the United States of America. 

The Government at Washington, my friends, almost condemned him for the 



176 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

act which he then committed, claiming that the territory which he had acquired 
by his act was not worth the sacrifice that it cost, nor the sacrifice that would be 
required to maintain it as a portion of the United States of America. But within 
a few short years the hills and gulches of California gave forth her millions of 
riches, gold that even Commodore Sloat did not suspect lay hidden there. Dur- 
ing the great struggle for the existence of this Government and to maintain the 
supremacy of ttiis flag, no portion of the United States contributed so much to 
maintain the supremacy of the Nation during that trying period as did the terri- 
tory acquired by Commodore Sloat in raising that flag. 

Comrades of the Mexican War, we are here also to pay tribute to you, for, as 
I said, by your gallant efforts it has been possible for us to continue to allow that 
flag to float here over a portion of the United States. We assure you that in 
times to come, as in the past, we shall do everything to maintain that flag invio- 
late. 

The flagship band played national airs, and was joined by the peo- 
ple, whose voices, attuned to patriotic feeling, sounded a grand anthem. 
As the notes died away, Rev. A. A. McAlister, U. S. N., delivered a 
prayer and all heads were bowed. 

PRAYER. 

O God, King of Kings, and Ruler of the Universe, we praise Thy name for 
the blessings which Thou has bestowed on us as a people, but especially for giv- 
ing us a mild and benevolent government, material prosperity and civil and 
religious liberty. In Thy wise providence Thou saw fit to add to the immense 
area of our territory, the lands of this vast State, when they were yet unexplored 
and almost uninhabited, that in future generations it might become the home of 
a progressive and enlightened people. Make us deeply sensible of our responsi- 
bility as a Nation for the wise and prudent management of this portion of Thy 
world which Thou hast committed to our care. Graciously remember our neigh- 
bors at the south, and grant them peace and prosperity. May we be disposed to 
cultivate fraternal affection for each other; and though we remain separate na- 
tions, may we be united as members of the great family of American republics. 
Imbue our minds with a keen sense of personal honor and patriotism; take from 
us pride, prejudice and uncharitableness; and may we be ever ready to offer our- 
selves, our services and our fortunes, if necessary, for the good of our country. 

We thank Thee for the memory of the patriots whose chief we have assembled 
this day to honor. May their example animate us to deeds worthy of their suc- 
cessors in this glorious national inheritance, arid arouse us to vigilance in pre- 
serving the patriotic principles of the founders of the nation. And while we 
enjoy the confluence of blessings which are the result of the wisdom, diligent 
study and untiring efforts of all great and good men from the time of the apostles 
and martyrs to our own day, may we bear in mind that it is not our own power 
and the might of our own arm, which has gotten us this wealth of civilization, 
but that Thou dost live and govern all things both in heaven and earth. 

Hear our prayer, for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 

READING OF COMMODORE JOHN D. SEOAT'S PROCLA- 
MATION. 

Eieut. James Bayard Whittemore, the oldest grandson of Commo- 
dore Sloat, then read the original proclamation of Commodore Sloat, in 



Life of Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat 177 

the handwriting of his aide-de-camp and signal officer, Midshipman 
William P. Toler. It was read the first time fifty years before, by 
Purser Rodman M. Price, U. S. N., afterwards Governor of New Jer- 
sey. Lieut. Whittemore read it ten years ago at the same place. There 
were originally three copies, and the one read belongs to the Society 01 
California Pioneers of San Francisco. 

[As this has already been given, it is here omitted. See Commc- 
more Sloat' s Report, page 75.] 

Mrs. C. C. Dodge, of Oakland, then sang "The Flag That Stirs 
Our Soul," in a rich, strong voice that made the plaintive air quite 
inspiring. 

SECOND RAISING IN FIFTY YEARS OF THE STARS AND 

STRIPES ON THE OLD FLAGSTAFF BY WILLIAM P. 

TOLER, COMMODORE SLOAT'S AIDE-DE-CAMP 

AND SIGNAL OFFICER. 

The President of the Day said that the most interesting character 
here to-day was William P. Toler, the very man who, fifty years ago, 
raised the American flag upon that pole. A shout of rousing cheers 
greeted this statement. Mr. Toler descended from the platform of the 
grandstand and made his way through the crowd and ranks of the 
Naval Battalion, and was received by Lieut. Roper of the "Monad- 
nock" and escorted to the northwest corner of the old Custom House 
beneath the staff, while a quartermaster of the "Philadelphia" bent the 
American flag on to the halyards, which were placed in Mr. Toler' s 
hands. Major Sherman called for three cheers for the American flag, 
and as it was hoisted by Mr. Toler with a vim and energy of half a 
century before, and his eyes sparkling with pride and pleasure, every- 
body cheered as the Stars and Stripes began to unfold, but, as fifty 
years before, the halyards were cramped and had to be cleared; but 
when it reached the masthead and spread out full to the breeze, then 
occurred a scene the like of which is but seldom witnessed. People 
went fairly wild with patriotic enthusiasm. Hats and handkerchiefs 
were flung into the air; military reserve was forgotten in this wild 
burst of applause. It was a mass of men, women and children cheer- 
ing and cheering without restraint, with plaudits rolling like the rum- 
ble of distant thunder, but they were eloquently expressive of victory. 

As the flag flew to the top of the mast smoke and flame were seen 
issuing from the two white ships of war anchored a few hundred yards 
away. The air was filled with a riot of sounds, the crash of guns, 
multiplied in echoes, rising above the strains of "The Star Spangled 
Banner" by Uncle Sam's band. 

It was a touching sight to see the venerable veterans of the Mexican 



178 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

War behave like little boys let loose from school, and the children 
clapping hands and uniting their weakly voices, and California with 
her maids of honor, and the ladies singing bits of national songs, 
shaking hands, waving handkerchiefs high overhead and even cheering 
with the men. 

Meanwhile the sailors stood at "attention" unmoved. 

Then three cheers w^ere proposed and given with great gusto in 
succession for Admiral Beardslee, for Sloat, for the Army and Navy, 
for the ladies, for the "Philadelphia" and for the "Monadnock." 

Through it all the sailors maintained their accustomed reserve, but 
at the mention of "the ladies" the}- 3'elled and waved their caps after 
a fashion that clearly indicated that they meant what they were doing. 

But the flag would not spread out. It hung obstinately — lazily it 
seemed — by the mast. A sailor climbed the pole, scrambled upon the 
verandah roof and released the Stars and Stripes. 

When Sloat raised his f^ag the same difficulty was met, and Edward 
Higgins, a Mid.shipman of the United States Ship "Cyane," climbed 
the pole and .set it fluttering in the free sunshine 

Higgins' brother was present that day and was among those who re- 
marked the strange coincidence. Many of the old men thought it was 
extraordinary, while some regarded it as meaningful. 

The probability is that the Commodore's emblem was raised on the 
same side of the mast, and having been blown against the pole became 
tangled with the ropes, for the days are much the same in Montere}' in 
July now as they were a half century back. 

As soon as the prolonged cheer had come to a close, cheers and 
calls were delivered for everybody, everything patriotic, and several of 
'of them were given with a will for Mr. Toler. 

Somewhat overcome by his effort in the flag raising, Mr. Toler 
struggled back to the stand and took his seat. 

"Put Toler up where we can .see him," cried a number, and after a 
while Mr. Toler was placed on a chair within sight of all. He was 
again and again cheered and requested to deliver a speech. 

He bowed and bowed and appeared to be deeply affected. It took 
•some time for the fervent, patriotic enthusiasm that stirred the people 
to subside. 

"What shall I say?" asked Toler, turning to the President of the 
Da}-. "What can I say?" 

"Anything; a word to the people." 

"I will say just a word," said the veteran sailor. 

"Fellow-citizens," said he, evidently stirred with strong emotions 
and under the influence of the excitement of the moment, "were it not 
ior physical inability from which I have been suffering for some time, 



Life of Rear- Admiral JbiiN Drake Sloat 179 

I would like to say a few words to you on so auspicious an occasion. 
It is the second time that I have raised the flag and it wall be the last 
time." ("We hope not," cried a number of the auditors.) "As I say, 
owing to my physical inability, I am prevented from delivering a 
speech to you. I will now take my farewell. I wish you and your 
families every happiness, and not only you, but all the people of our 
beloved and united countr}'." 

Mr. Toler then withdrew amid loud huzzas. 

Admiral Beardslee was called, and when presented by the President 
of the Day thanked the assemblage for honoring him, and very mod- 
estly referred to himself, saying that it was merely by accident that he 
was present, and therefore he deserved no honors. 

"Admiral Sloat — for he died an Admiral — will live forever in your 
hearts," he said. 

The crowd wanted Beardslee to share some of the honors, and ap- 
plauded him most cordiall3\ 

The following telegrams were received and read: 

New York, July 7, 1S96. 
To the Chairman Semi-Centennial Celebration, Monterey, Cat.: 

The survivors of Stevenson's Regiment of New York Volunteers, quartered in 
the old historic town of Monterey during the years 1847 to 1848, send from the 
Enipire City of the Atlantic Coast their greeting to all former comrades and other 
early pioneers of California, upon this, the Fiftieth (50th) Anniversary of the 
acquisition of California by the United States through the timely action of Com- 
modore John D. Sloat. Francis D. Clark, President. 

Which was received with hearty applause. 

New York, July 7, 1896. 
'Jo the Chair7)ian Semi Cetitennial Celebration, JMonterey, Cat. : 

The last of the Alcaldes of San Francisco, and brother of the first Alcalde of 
Monterey under the American occupation in 1846 (Rev. Waller Colton, Chaplain, 
U. S. N.), sends his greeting to the citizens of Monterey and all old pioneers 
there assembled. 

Gardner O. Colton, President New York Society California Pioneers. 

Which was also received with hearty applause. 
The President of the Day then said: 

The originator and projector of the celebration held here so successfully ten 
years ago, and also of this of the fiftieth anniversary of the raising of the Ameri- 
can flag on that staff by order of Commodore vSloat fifty years ago, the corner- 
stone of whose monument on yonder hill has been laid to-day, the principal 
moving spirit of this grand jubilee on the Pacific shores of the American Repub- 
lic, I take pleasure in now introducing to you, Major Edwin A. Sherman, a vet- 
eran of the Mexican War, the Orator of the Day. 

Major Sherman was greeted with rounds of cheers, as he came for- 
ward and delivered the following accurate historic and classic address, 
which was frequeutl}' applauded: 



i8o Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

Mr. President, Comrade Veterans of the Mexican War, Brother Pioneers and 
Felloiv-Citizens : 

Ten years ago, upon this historic spot, the few survivors of the Mexican War 
in California came hither to celebrate the Fortieth Anniversary of the taking pos- 
session of California and raising of the American flag upon yonder staff, by 
Commodore John Drake Sloat of the United States Navy, in obedience to the 
orders of the Government, and to secure it forever from the grasp of her ancient 
foe into whose hands California and her people, both native and foreign, were 
about to be sold and conveyed by the central government of Mexico in payment 
of the English debt. 

Ten years ago, we thought there would be but few of us left, of those who 
then came hither to celebrate that event, and would be here again on this semi- 
centennial occasion to celebrate in a grander and more imposing manner than we 
did then; and though four of our Past Presidents — Blanding, Knipe, Hopkins 
and Deal— have since then been ordered to duty on the other side, the hand of 
Time has dealt gently with us, and eighty per cent, of our numbers still respond, 
when our names are called upon the roll, and we are here still to rejoice with our 
fellow-citizens, over the wisdom of our Government in securing this fair laud from 
the grasp of unfriendly monarchical European power and control. 

The service we rendered oar country upon the battlefields of Mexico while 
apparently one of conquest and spoliation and injustice towards a weaker nation 
at the time, and while different motives may have animated the promoters of the 
Mexican War with different objects to be secured, yet the far-seeing statesmen of 
our country looked to the years beyond the conflict to be waged, and in which 
were enfolded the principles of the Monroe Doctrine to be developed and main- 
tained by the American arms and by American valor, with due notice given to 
England and to all Europe, "Hands off from the continent of America and its 
affairs." 

It was the spirit of the Monroe Doctrine which asserted itself in the most 
emphatic manner, when John Tyler, President of the United States, on the first 
day of March, 1845 (three days prior to the surrendering of his offi.e to his suc- 
cessor, James K. Polk), signed the act of the annexation of Texas, which was 
ratified on the following fourth of July by its Legislature, and the "Lone Star 
State" gravitated to the constellation of the American Union. 

Texas was unable to stand alone; and previous to the annexation both Eng- 
land and France were bitterly opposed to the measure, while the Northwestern 
boundary between the United States and British America was in an unsettled 
state, and the war spirit prevailed to that extent that the Democratic party dis- 
played upon its banners the legend "54° 40^ or Fight." 

The real issue involved was the diplomatic attempt of Great Britain to put up 
its barriers on the north an 1 west of the American Republic and hem it com- 
pletely in, and thus control the North American continent entirely. She had 
been constantly playing her game for years, and she was as closely watched as a 
lioness by a band of hunters. 

France at that time was favorable to England. 

Guizot, the Prime Minister of France, openly avowed the right of European 
nations to interfere in national affairs upon the Western Continent, to preserve 
the balance of power. 

England, thwarted in her plans in Texas, and jealous of the growing power 
and influence of the United States, was determined to compensate herself in the 
payment of the debt due her subjects by Mexico, secretly negotiated with that 



Ife 1^^ 




J 



ADMIRAL LESTER A. BEARDSLEE, U. S. N., (Retired) 
[Commanded the Pacific Station in 1896. 1 
This exnerienced and gallant officer, wearing the double stellar insignia of his rank is worthy of his high 

faction. Words fail to do him justice.— E. A. S. 



r 



/W^ 0^ 




^x 



BRIGADIER GENP:RAL JAMES W. FORSYTH, U. S. A., (Retired), 
Commanded the Department of California. — Headquarters at San Francisco. 
One of the most nieritoiious officers in the U. S. Array. With a splendiil record in the field for services ren- 
dered iu critical times of danger, the star tipon his shoulder glitters upon a cuirass of honor worn over the brave 
heart beneath it. Always affable and courteous, and whenever it has been possible to grant the request of the 
Associated Veterans of the Mexican War or of the rest of the people of the Stale, he has invariably complied with 
their request, for which all feel grateful. We trust that in time the constellations will gather upon his shoulders, 
though not at the rate of si.xteen to one.— E. A. S. 



^f, «# 




HON. JAMES McIvACHLAN, M. M., 
Of Pasadena, Cal. 
Representative to United States Congress, and President of the Day, at Monterey, on July yth, 1896. An Hon- 
orary Member of the Sloat Monument Association. An Honorary Member of the Masonic Veteran Association of 
the Pacific Coast. 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat i8t 

'Government for the sale of California, while her powerful ships of war, like huee 
birds of prey, hovering along the Pacific Coast, were ready to seize possession 
and raise the British flag. 

This has lately by so-called historians been denied; yet the fact existed never- 
theless, and the American Government was fully aware of it. 

California was remote from the central government of Mexico, which had 
neither power to protect or defend it from foes without, or prevent its secession 
if the people here so declared; and what she could not keep or defend, she was 
disposed to sell and get rid of and thus pay her English debt. 

Gen. Mariano (juadalupe Vallejo, whose birthday we also celebrate, was born 
here in Monterey, July 7, 1808, and after rising from subordinate military and 
civic positions, became the leader of a revolution here on the 7th of November, 
1S36, in which California declared itself independent of Mexico, and he became 
Commandante General of the new Republic, which lasted but a very short period, 
and was at the same time as the revolt and organization of the "Lone Star Repub- 
lic of Texas." 

This state of affairs alarmed the Mexican Government, and it was more dis- 
posed to negotiate with England for the sale of California to pay the English 
debt, and thus have an ally against the United States. At that time, the British 
agent, Alexander Forbes, from Tepic, Mexico, was in California, and in June, 
1838, when writing to his brother in England, said: 

"The British Government seems lately to have had some suspicion that Cali- 
fornia would be encroached upon, if not taken entire possession of by the Rus- 
sians, who are settled so close upon its Northern frontier. * * * The danger 
does not lie there. There is another restless and enterprising neighbor from 
whom they will most probably have to defend themselves, or rather submit to; 
for although the frontiers of North America are much more distant than the 
Russians, yet to such men as the back-settlers distance is of little moment, and 
they are already well acquainted with the route. The northern American tide of 
population must roll on southward, and overwhelm not only California, but other 
more important states; but the invasion of California by American settlers is 
daily talked of; and if Santa Ana had prevailed against Texas, a portion of the 
inhabitants of that country, sufficient to overrun California, would now have 
been its masters. 

"There have been some thoughts of proposing to the Mexican Government 
that it should endeavor to cancel the English debt — which now exceeds fifty 
millions of dollars — by a transfer of California to the creditors." 

On February 1840, the New York Express said: 

"The Californias. — The rumor has reached New Orleans from Mexico of 
the cession to England of the Californias." 

The United States Government, as expressed in the Monroe doctrine, had the 
right to defend its frontiers and the American continent against European en- 
croachment, and by the contemplated conveyance of California to Great Britain 
by the Mexican Government, it was to have been an unfriendly act, hostile to 
American tradition and independence, and opening up a continual antagonism 
that would have involved a quarter of a century of war and bloodshed upon this 
continent, in which not only England, but the other European monarchical pow- 
ers would have been combined as allies against us, the end of which no statesman 
then living could foresee or foretell the results. 

The report of the Secretary of the Navy commenced by reciting the original 
orders given to Commodore Sloat on June 24, 1845, and ended with the highest 



i82 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

praise and commendation that could possibly be given to a brave and faithful 
officer. 

The orders were given, obeyed both in the spirit and in the letter, and the 
glorious achievement of the conquest of California, and snatching the prize from 
the claws of the British Lion in so skillful and complete a manner by Commodore 
Sloat, entitles his memory to the eternal admiration and gratitude not of Califor- 
nians alone, but of the whole of the American nation. Yet here in this golden 
land and on the burnished golden shield of California, there is a foul stain and 
splotch of falsehood and slander, which should be wiped off, and the brilliancy 
of our State escutcheon completely restored. Vile reptiles have crawled over it 
and left their trails of black slime upon its face, which only the sharp acid of 
public indignation and the fires of scorn and contempt can remove. The H. H. 
Bancroft so-called history is but a series of bound volumes of lies, detraction, 
libel and slander of some of the most gallant, daring and honorable men, patriots, 
soldiers and statesmen of our country that this age has produced. Sloat, Stock- 
ton, Fremont, Grant and others have been most foully lied about, and to borrow 
the prestige of the name and to creep into the shadow of the fame of George Ban- 
croft, the historian of the nation, the name of Bancroft is given to a mass of 
deliberate lying and slander which has caused the Society of California Pioneers 
to cleanse its shelves of the pollution and stain, to expurgate its roll of honor and 
bar its doors to the entrance of the Chief and his aids of this production which 
has come up out of the black press-room and bindery of the "Father of Lies." 

More than eighteen jears this hero of half a century ago had lain in his 
grave, and there were none but the veterans of the Mexican War to stand forth 
in his defense, in which they have defended the honor of their dead comrade, 
John Drake Sloat. 

An eternal debt of gratitude is especially due to our honorable Senator in 
Congress, George C. Perkins, whose unremitting labors and attention have been 
devoted to the helping to rescue the honored fame of Commodore Sloat from the 
mass of obloquy, misrepresentation and falsehood which H. H. Bancroft and his 
coadjutors had heaped upon it, and to Senator Perkins especially are the people 
of California indebted for his efforts in the passage of the bill thus far in the ap- 
propriating funds for his monument. 

On this, the fiftieth anniversary of his last and most glorious achievement, the 
veterans of the Mexican War have the inexpressible joy of witnessing the tri- 
umphant vindication of his good name, the celebration by the grateful people 
of this "Golden State" of the crowning act of his fame, which secured and added 
an empire to the domain of the Republic, while the stars of three States formed 
out of the original territory of California have been added to the Constellation of 
the American Union and where they will forever remain. 

Then let the perfect ashlars from all the Counties of California be here laid in 
imperishable granite iti the square elevated base upon which the superstructure 
is to be reared, with California the chief corner-stone. Upon this long-neglected 
spot of half a centur3', let the Government of the people of these United States 
rear a shaft upon whose tablets in letters of gold the history of his renown, and 
the medallion and story of the daring, faithful and patriotic Fleet Surgeon Will- 
iam Maxwell Wood, while high up on the lofty pedestal of fame, the statue of 
Commodore John Drakk Sloat in bronze, pointing to yonder staff where our 
glorious ensign was raised by his command over a land redeemed, where the wild 
beasts no longer roam, where civilization prevails, and where the blessings of 
civil and religious liberty are enjoyed. 



Life ov Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 183 

Comrade Veterans of the Mexican War, our ranks are fast thinning out, and 
our eyes which in our young manhood days shone with the fierce light of battle 
are rapidly being changed into the moss agates of old. age, and ere long the last 
of us will be mustered out. In the evening twilight of our lives, as we remember 
the past and look to the near future, when there will come a realization of our 
hopes in the completion of the monument here begun, and the statue of our hon- 
ored Comrade Commodore Sloat shall be unveiled, we can then turn with joyful 
gaze to the golden setting sun, while he paints the sea, the valleys and the moun- 
tains in glorious hues and spreads his gorgeous mantle over the skies begemmed 
with the jewels of the heavens, then we can exclaim like one of old, "Now, let 
thy servants depart in peace, for our eyes have beheld thy salvation," and we will 
follow our patriotic, brave and gallant Commanders over that last pontoon bridge, 
and go into camp on that other "Golden Shore." 

The peroration of Major Sherman's address was greeted with the 
most heart}' applause. 

The girls of the Living Flag then sang with splendid effect "The 
Star Spangled Banner." 

The President of the Day then introduced Mrs. Eliza A. Pittsinger, 
who, in an eloquent manner, delivered the following original poem, 
which elicited the heartiest applause: 

CALIFORNLA'S GOLDEN JUBILEE. 

BY ELIZA A. PITTSINGER. 

[Delivered at the Celebration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Taking Possession of California 
and Raising of the American Flag by Commodore John Drake Sloat of the U. S. Navy, on 
July 7, 1S46, delivered by her on July 7, 1S96.] 

Why do we meet, my friends, to-day ? 
What records have led us on the way ? 
What scenes are past, what themes attend, 
And with historic grandeur blend ? 
A single word shall fan the fire, 
And each advancing thought inspire. 

That word is Progress; and its course 
Cannot be stayed by creed or force — 
Its germs were planted in the Past, 
Its blossoms crown the ages vast; 
And as the mighty years speed on 
The victories of life are won — 
To perfect good its path extends, 
And like a star its light attends 
The fall of Empires, and the wane 
Of powers that shall not live again. 

And as we meet this summer mora 
How many a loyal thought is born! 
How many a fancy takes its flight 
O'er valley, plain and rocky height; 
We lift the veil, we follow fast 



184 Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat 

The scenes and records of the past — 
O, how the hazy solitude 
Once whispered to those races crude 
Long ere the padre's cross was seen 
To cast its shadow 'mid the sheen! 

The years sped on! The Golden Clime 
Awaited something more sublime 
And lasting than the dwindling seed 
Of rustic rite or ancient creed. 

O, Eden Land, thou wert so fair, 
In thy young life so sweet and rare, 
That rival nations as a prize. 
Once sought thee for a paradise; 
And 'mid contention, strife and moil, 
They bore their banners to thy soil! 

The prize was here, and regal Spain 
Strove hard, and did that prize obtain — 
And yet her power was weak to hold 
This clime of sunshine, bloom and gold; 
Not even Cortez' mighty arm 
Possessed the skill or held the charm. 

'Twas eighteen hundred twenty-five 

When Mexico threw off her chains; 

The love of conquest was alive. 

And flowed through her ambitious veins, 

Whereb}- she bent her anxious ej'es 

Upon this charmed Paradise; 

And Kchuadra sped his way 

Up through the seas of mist that play 

With the hills and vales of Monterey. 

And thus through all the ebb and flow 
Of rival nations in the strife, 
The dusty, sun-crowned Mexico, 
With new impulsion, hope and life, 
Unfurled her flag, and for a time 
Obtained pessession of the clime. 

It could not last, 'twas doomed to be 
Like some poor wreck upon the sea — 
The prize was here; and Freedom planned 
The final conquest of her land — 
She saw the winding path that led 
Our hero to the front and head, 
As with a small and valiant band 
He gained possession of the land. 

And thus our gallant Sloat became 
A star amid the Sons of Fame — 
True as the magnet to the steel, 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Si.oat 185 

Equipped and armed with loyal zeal, 
As with an energy sublime, 
He stormed the Castle of his Time, 
Unfurled our flag, and solved the plan 
That Liberty designs for man. 

To our illustrious Sloat we yield 
The Victor's crown, the Hero's shield — 
He came and won; and by his toil 
His footprints shine upon our soil. 

His bark was borne across the sea 
That California might be free; 
Our flag went up in time of need. 
His arm was strong to sow the seed, 
Whose blossoms crown the shining way 
To this our Semi-Centennial Day. 

Fair Stars and Stripes! beloved and bright! 
Ye came with golden floods of light; 
Beneath your folds new life and thought 
Sped forth as if by magic wrought! 
New inspiration like a flame 
Of heavenly glory then became 
A beacon-star, whose charms unfurled 
Like splendors of a new-born world! 

O, land engirt with sea and sun. 
Sublime the fame that thou hast won! 
Thy cities in their grandeur rise, 
Their spires are pointing to the skies. 
Thy fruit the wonder of the world, 
And in thy sunlight is impearled 
A crystal radiance that glows, 
And into waves of thought it flows! 

That radiance charms my soul to-day, 
'Tis like the welcome beams of May; 
Upon the toil-worn Veterans 
Of Mexico its light expan Is, 
And how it blesses, warms an 1 cheers. 
The pathway of our Pioneers! 
Beneath it how our blossoms gleam! 
Beneath it what a mighty stream 
Of speech and music now display 
The zeal and glory of the day! 

O, Freemen, wave your banners grand 
In all their splendor through the land! 
And down the valleys as we sing 
Let golden hallelujahs ring* 
For fifty years ago to-day 
The seed was sown in Monterey! 
The harvest time begins to dawn; 
We're marching on, we're marching on. 



iS6 Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat 

O, 'tis the SemiCeutennial Year! 
Our bells are ringing loud and clear! 
The Star of Freedom rises high, 
A Rainbow spans the Western sky! 
Rejoice, my people, great and free, 
It is the Year of Jubilee! 

Rejoice, rejoice, the day is ours! 

The years have brought their heavenly powerst 

And we have only to behold, 

To claim the prize and win the gold! 

The vines are springing at our feet, 

We've but to pluck the fruit and eat! 

'Tis here, 'tis here, the Promised Land; 
'Tis here in Freedom's cause we stand; 
'Tis here wo sing our songs of praise 
To gladden these Centennial days— 
O, Monterey, upon thy sand 
Are footprints wonderful and grand! 

The Eagle from her mountain height 
Sped downward to these valleys bright; 
And through the weary march of Time 
Her burning glance was on the clime- 
She was a watcher on the wall, 
She saw the stormy rise and fall 
Of noisy faction, selfish clan. 
As through the warring years they ran. 

At last, with her deep piercing eyes, 
She saw the Star of Freedom rise; 
Afar was heard a Golden Song, 
And as its numbers rolled along 

They thrilled her with their magic power 

And then she knew the expectant hour 
Had come when she should yield her post 
To God's true Guardians of the Coast. 

And thus it was, for this we meet 
To make our Liberties complete; 
For this we sing our songs of praise, 
For this the land is all ablaze, 
And on this Semi-Centenuial Day 
We wave our flags in Monterey. 

Fair Monterey, in future time 
They name shall ring in classic rhyme; 
'Tis here the pilgrim shall be led, 
'Tis here his fancy shall be fed, 
O, here upon this charmed ground 
The sacred relics shall be found; 
And in this Mecca of the West, 
At last his weary feet shall rest. 



Life of Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat 187 

Mrs. Blake Alverson then sang "Viva La America" as only herself 
can sing it with its full spirit of patriotic fire and sweetness of song, 
for w^hich she was roundly applauded as at its close she waved the 
American flag, creating the greatest enthusiasm, and sang the follow- 
ing as an encore: 

"OLD GLORY." 

Words by Thomas J. Duggan. Music by Homer N. Bartlette. 

Old Glory, Flag of Liberty, 

In triumph wave o'er land and sea, 

The pride of millions yet to be, 

'Neath Freedom's glorious sway. 
We gaze upon each starry fold, 
In beauty to the skies unrolled 
And link with thee in pride untold, 
Our land America.— CHORUS. 

Old Glory, founded by our sires, 
Amid the flame of battle fires, 
Thy gleam the heart of all inspires 

With rapture day by day. 
The flag of the new world art thou. 
To tyranny thou ne'er shalt bow, 
t Forever wave above the brow, 

Of free America.— Chorus. 

Old Glory! for thy honored past 
Our hearts revere thee till the last: 
Our dearest hopes are on thee cast, 

To never fade away. 
Triumphant, noble, brave and free. 
Still onward shall thy progress be. 
For honor, peace and liberty. 

And for America. 

Chorus. 
Unfurl thy grandeur to the stars, 
Dear flag of many battle scars. 

Renowned in hallowed story. 
All hail! to thee, O emblem grand. 
The guardian of our native land, 

Old Glory. 

The Hon. H. C. Gesford, Grand President of the Native Sons, was 
then introduced, and'made a telling and eloquent speech, for which he 
was heartily cheered. 

The Hon. Niles Searles, Vice-President of the Society of California 
Pioneers, made a short and humorous address, which greatly delighted 
everybody present. 

The vast audience then united in singing the national hymn, 



i88 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

"America," and the Rev. O. E. Edmondson, Chaplain of the U. S. 
Flagship "Philadelphia," pronounced an eloquent and fervent benedic- 
tion, and the Great Celebration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the tak- 
ing possession of California and raising the American flag at Monterey 
b}^ Commodore Sloat was ended and his honored fame gloriously vin- 
dicated. 



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The Flagsnip of Admiral Lester A. Beardslee, Midshipman Edward H.ggi"B 




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Life of Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat 189 



CELEBRATION OF THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 
RAISING OF THE AMERICAN FLAG BY CAPT. JOHN B. 
MONTGOMERY OF THE U. S. SLOOP OF WAR PORTS- 
MOUTH, AT YERBA BUENA, NOW SAN FRAN- 
CISCo' CALIFORNIA, ON THE PLAZA AND 
THE PRESIDIO, ON JULY qth, i8j6, BY 
ORDERS FROM COMMODORE JOHN 
DRAKE SLOAT, U. S. N. 

Celebrated Thursday, July qth, 1896. 

Major Edwin A. Sherman, the Chairman of the Committee of Ar- 
rangements of the Associated Veterans of the Mexican War, presented 
to the rest of the Committee the subject of also having a celebration of 
the Fiftieth Anniversary of the raising of the American Flag at San 
Francisco as well as at Monterey. Gen. Forsyth, at his solicitation, 
having consented and given orders for the firing of salutes at the Pre- 
sidio and the Forts in the harbor of San Francisco, also on July 9, 
1896. That as the Veterans of the Mexican War would have all that 
they could do with the celebration at Monterey, and the two events 
coming so near together that the celebration at San Francisco, which 
ought to be held, and the honors and labors should be shared with oth- 
ers. That the Exempt Fire Company having their engine-house of the 
old Monumental Engine Company at Brenham Place, immediately near 
the old flagstaff on the Plaza, now called Portsmouth Square, where 
they had kept the American flag flying for nearly half a century, should 
be invited to take charge and act as a Committee of Arrangements for 
the Celebration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Raising of the 
American Flag in San Francisco, on July 9, 1896. To this Col. Joseph 
Stewart and Comrade Charles Lange, the other members of the Com- 
mittee, gave their hearty consent. 

Accordingly the invitation was sent to the President, George T. 
Bohen, of the Exempt Fire Company, to which a most hearty response 
and acceptance was received, and these old veteran firemen went to 
work with a will and determination characteristic of their old-time 
hearty liberality, and prepared a celebration worthy of the occasion, of 
themselves, and of the patriotic citizens of San Francisco, while they 
made the veterans of the Mexican War their special guests, and ex- 
tended to them the most generous hospitality, which was fully enjoyed 
and gratefully appreciated. 

George T. Bohen, A. J. Jessup, J. J. Guilfoyle, Godfrey Fisher, 



\i90 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

Joseph Figel, James O'Donnell and John J. Mundwyler were the Com- 
mittee of Arrangements. 

The following account of this celebration is taken from the reports 
of the affair as published in the daily newspapers of San Francisco: 

Fift)^ years of brilliant historj'- were signaled at high noon yester- 
daj', when the Stars and Stripes were spread from the lofty mast in the 
Plaza. The falling time-ball on Telegraph Hill marked the arrival of 
the summer sun at its meridian, a bugle blast gave the signal, the big 
bell in the home of the red-shirted Exempts pealed a note of joy, and 
in a trice the banner of freedom was unfurled over the same memorable 
spot where first it was raised in San Francisco by the bluejackets of the 
sloop-of-war "Portsmouth. ' ' 

Seventeen added stars in the silken field of hea^'enly blue marked 
the semi-centennial of progress in California, from that day when Com- 
modore Sloat' s proclamation made this broad strip a free American ter- 
ritory till this, when iorty-five brilliant points in the azure firmament 
mark the sisterhood of free republics merged in the greatest govern- 
ment on earth. On that never-to-be-forgotten 9th of July, just fiftv 
years ago, the gallant tars and the intrepid marines of Captain Mont- 
gomery's sloop-of-war, stationed in the Bay of San Francisco, marched 
up to the same plaza in the then Mexican town of Verba Buena to 
raise Old Glory and to take possession in the name of the twentj'-eight 
States of the American Union of the inheritance of libert}'. And yes- 
.terday, appropriately enough, the bluejackets of the glorious Republic 
of the end of the century and the marines of the flagship "Philadel- 
phia" stood guard while one of their number hoisted the flag to the 
breeze, and then the}^ presented arms as the naval band saluted with 
the national air. 

It was a magnificent scene, all in the fullness of a perfect day, with 
the beautiful plaza covered so thick with people that one could not see 
Nature's carpeting on the hallowed ground. The streets beyond were 
crowded with people awaiting the signal bell that was to mark the 
semi-centennial of the commonwealth's actual birth into an modern 
civilization. Flags and banners floated in the gentle breezes amid the 
evergreens that fill the historic square. The dazzling white uniforms 
of the men-o'-warsmen.in double lines marked the hollow square within 
which the Hotchkiss guns were to thunder the national salute. Blue- 
coated gunners of the Naval Battalion were grouped in the center 
around their glistening one-pounders, while back of them was the head 
and center of it all, the group of blue-capped, red-shirted, brown-coated 
firemen of the pioneer days^the gray-haired veterans that ran with 
the machine — the Exempts of San Francisco, in whose hands had been 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 191 

left the duty of fittingh' commemorating the first chapter of American 
history at the Golden Gate. 

Right well had they prepared and elaborately did the}- carry them- 
selves in the celebration. Inside and outside of their old fire station on 
Brenham place, facing the great flagstaff, they had decorated lavishly. 
The national colors were strung and festooned and draped in all con- 
ceivable manner of pleasing shapes; their machines were sparkling in 
their glory of glistening paint and burnished brassiness. Out on the 
street, prepared for the Orator of the Day when the flag should be un- 
furled, the handsomest hose cart of all had been bedecked most artisti- 
cally for the occasion, a great multi-colored umbrella above it to protect 
its occupants from the sun, while the engine itself made a shining back- 
ground. 

It was, in every detail and as a magnificent whole, one of the most 
beautiful groupings of people and colors ever seen in this city; and not 
one whit of the effect was lessened by the Oriental decorations of the 
houses on Clay and Jackson .streets and Brenham Place, where, from 
the windows and roofs, the 3'ellow-skinned Mongolians peered down 
upon the crowds below. They were there, no part of the picture they 
framed— a barbaric setting to the glor}" of American civilization. 

The city was en fete, and with the first breaking of sunlight the 
plaza began filling with people. The}' came from all directions, men, 
women and children, to secure positions of vantage for the spectacle 
prepared for them. There they waited hour after hour, their numbers 
constantly increasing, until the marines and the bluejackets, the mem- 
bers of the Naval Battalion, Mexican \'eterans, Pioneers, Exempts, 
bands and all were on the ground awaiting the hour. 

It was II o'clock before the tars from the "Philadelphia" and the 
"Mpnadnock" and Admiral Beardslee's own marines, headed by the 
red-coated band from the flagship of the Pacific squadron, swung with 
steady step through the civilian throngs into the Park. There were 
nearl}' 300 of the sailors and sea soldiers of Uncle Sam in the line under 
command of lyieutenant-Commander Ingersoll, and the}- made a pretty 
sight by themselves in their hot-weather uniforms. The marines were 
under command of Captain Dickens, U. S. M. C, and the four com- 
panies of bluejackets marched at the orders of Lieutenant Brown, En- 
sign Hayward and Cadets Lincoln and Campbell. They were formed 
in a hollow square around the flagstaft', on either side of which Lieu- 
tenant-Commander Turner and Ensign Gould had stationed a firing 
detail of twenty blue uniformed members of the Naval Battalion, with 
two one-pounder Hotchkiss guns. 

Within this hollow square the gaily caparisoned fox terrier dog 
Gore, the canine mascot of Admiral Beardslee's flagship, ran at will, 



192 Life of Reae-.\dmiral John Drake Sloat 

barking his joy at the presence of so many of his well-wishers, and 
frisking around the flagstaff, at the top of which the flag was bunked 
for the unfurling. 

About five minutes before noon the Exempt Firemen were ordered 
into line on Brenham Place by President Bohen, the Veterans of the 
Mexican War, headed by Sydney Loop, forming immediately behind 
them. The Park Band struck up "Columbia," and, the word of com- 
mand being given, the firemen and the veterans marched into the 
plaza, forming in parallel lines on each side of the flagstaff. Up close 
to them could be seen the faces and figures of many an old pioneer who 
desired to be close enough to smell the smoke when the salute was 
fired. 

To do all this took some little time, and it was fully a minute of 1 2 
o'clock when all was attention awaiting the stroke of the bell. Signal 
Quartermaster Paul Hermann of the "Philadelphia" had his hand on 
the lanyard ready to release the flag to the breeze, the tars and marines 
were at parade with their glistening bayonets fixed, the firemen and 
veterans were all attention, their heads uncovered, awaiting the stroke. 
Already the whistles which denoted 12 o'clock in the factories of the 
city were heard to sound, a distant bell or two pealed forth the hour, 
but the bell in the big tower was painfully silent. Not a soul in the 
big crowd but began to suspect that something was wrong somewhere, 
and that an awkward hitch in the programme was about to occur. 
Eyes weie turned anxiously in the direction of the bell, and still it did 
not ring forth. Everybody was sure something was wrong — everybody 
but those who were watching the time-ball on Telegraph Hill. 

"There she drops," some one called out at last, as the boom of a 
distant gun was heard and the big ball slid down the pole. The bell 
in the tower pealed merrily forth. Quartermaster Hermann tugged at 
the lanyard, and at the second stroke of the twelve the flag of freedom 
fluttered its starry length in the breeze. A few sharp orders from 
Lieutenant-Commander Ingersoll and the men from the warships pre- 
sented arms to their flag; the band from the "Philadelphia" struck up 
"The Star Spangled Banner," the vast throng uncovering until the 
last note died away. 

"Bang!" went the first gun of the national salute, and "bang! 
bang! bang!" sounded the reports twenty times more as Lieutenant- 
Commander Turner and P^nsign Gould paced the intervals and gave 
the command to fire to petty officers Harloe and Meyer. The concus- 
sion of the shots was something to be borne patriotically as the great 
white rings of smoke were blown into the air. 

"Three cheers for the flag!" shouted Lieutenant-Commander In- 
gersoll, waving his sword as the last gun was fired. "Three cheers for 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 193 

the flag!" signalled President Bohen of the Exempts, and they were 
given with a will and a tiger by the mass of people in uniforms and 
without, the civilians waving their hats in their enthusiasm, the well- 
trained men-o'-warsmen having much difficulty in restraining them- 
selves from brandishing their arms. 

The band played "America" as the Exempts marched to the speak- 
er's stand, and the men of the "Philadelphia" and "Monadnock" about- 
faced to listen to the proclamation of Commodore Sloat, spoken through 
the lips of his great-grandson, James Bayard Whittemore As soon 
as possible President Bohen introduced the young man to the people, 
and the famous message of the Commander of the United States forces 
in the Pacific Ocean in 1846, promising liberty of person and freedom 
of conscience in the new territory, was read. The voice of the descend- 
ant of the brave Commodore was somewhat husky with the emotions 
stirred up by the associations of memory, and he could not be heard 
many feet away, but the people assembled knew that the words his lips 
were forming teemed with patriotism, and that was enough. When 
the last word of the message of freedom had been uttered, another 
ringing three cheers went up for the great-grandson of the Commodore. 
The ceremony was ended as far as the navy was concerned, and the 
bluejackets and marines marched away from the scene, leaving the flag 
fluttering behind in the care of the Veteran Firemen. No sooner were 
the men-o'-warsmen gone than the plaza filled up to overflowing, and 
the crowd pressed forward to hear the Rabbi Jacob Voorsanger deliver 
the oration of the day. Dr. Voorsanger was introduced as a member 
of the Exempt Firemen, and the orator was cheered. When some 
quiet had been obtained he began his address, which was frequently 
interrupted with hearty applause. He said: 

Fellow-Citizens: We are making history to-day for the State of California. 
We commemorate the important fact that, almost to the minute to-day fifty years 
ago, Old Glory was flaunted to the breeze in old Verba Buena and, thereby, a 
Mexican possession was converted into a free territory of the United States. 
Therefore, our first duty to-day must be to salute the flag— the flag that, these 
120 years past, has traveled all over the world, and represented the honor of flie 
American republic as no living being can possibly pretend to carry it. It was the 
emblem of freedom, the emblem of honorable enterprise, the emblem that in- 
spired fear in the enemies of liberty wherever it went. It saluted effete monar- 
chies with the message from across the sea that all men were free and held no 
one master except the Constitution to which they subscribed. 

We salute the flag to-day because it waved before men, who, without thought 
of personal advantage, obeyed the call of their country, and, in moments of dan- 
ger and of peril, simply studied the honor and the advantage of the Government 
and not the risk or the danger to themselves. In saluting the flag, therefore, we 
also honor the memory of the men, who, fifty years ago, stood on this square, 
and, with the waves of the Pacific in sight, and the breezes from the West salut- 
ing them, before all the world and in spite of the government that opposed them, 



194 lyiFE OF Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

declared that this honorable flag was the emblem of possession; and on that day 
— jn that glorious 9th of July, — at the hour of high noon, they proclaimed the 
same message that long before that was proclaimed in the old statehouse in Phil- 
adelphia; and they saluted their brethren across the Rockies and across the riv- 
ers and the hills; and over the uttermost limit of the land they sent forth the 
message that this Mexican soil was Mexican no longer, but consecrated to free- 
dom of life and limb and conscience, as were all the other glorious States which 
saluted the flag and hailed it as their own. 

So then, fellow-citizens, fifty years have gone by since that great proclamation 
of Commodore Sloat was read, since it was sent from the ship in Monterey Bay; 
and fifty years have gone by since American settlers began to rest here, claiming, 
under God's providence, this land as their own, and consecrated it to the purpose 
for which legitimate communities are organized. These fifty years have been 
full of significance for the people of California and to those who afterwards 
joined them. 

In that greater coming day there will be new wonders here. We will show to 
the world valleys groaning with fruit and wheat and grain and barley; valleys 
that know no barrenness in winter time, the only fields in America in which the 
grass always remains green. We will show them our mountains, white-headed 
giants watching Hesperidean gardens, in which the golden apples are sweet and 
rich and luscious; mountains that are the storehouse of floods racing down to 
bathe the valleys in their refreshing richness. And we will show them such flow- 
ers as they never saw before; our poppies, our camellias and dandelions, our rich 
ma;jnolias and jasmines, and oi^r miles of wild flowers, carpeting the unploughed 
hillsides as no human loom can pretend to weave a web of gayest colors. All this 
we have to show them and more; and we will remind them that this dear Califor- 
ni i is a gorgeous edition de luxe of Palestine of old, of which Medrash says with 
effusive tenderness that every spot in it has its hills and its dales. Our holy land, 
our promised land, is this golden spot, and we want the sages of Babylon to pay 
us a visit and leave us spiritual blessings for which we will pay with loving 
hearts, smiling faces, the best of everything, and the cheer of a golden land. Tell 
them to come. 

This glorious California, this wonderland, in which there is but one regret, 
that, like in other lands, people have to die of old age and other causes — this 
slice out of an Oriental garden, more luxurious than any of Boccaccio's choice 
spots, is now fifty years old. That is to say, its promise dates back from the lime 
that Sloat raised the flag over Monterey Bay. I am in no mood to recite history, 
particularly a history one can read in a thousand books. My fancy rests on the 
momentous conversion of a Spanish province into a free American State. That, 
to a Jew, is one of the epochs in human history. Spain, I regret to say, is no 
pleasant word in the vocabulary of free men. The charters extended to her 
colonies barred the Jews from admission, and they could only enter under the 
guise of the Nuevos Christianos. The charter of Upper and Lower California 
does not, I believe, contain such a provision, but the charter was issued long after 
the intolerance of Spain could reckon with the entire world. Spain expelled the 
Jews, and for the most part drove them to the East and South, back to the bar- 
barous conditions from which they had become estranged for centuries. Spain 
sought to keep the sons of Israel from the new countries to which the sword and 
the cross had traveled with equal rapidity, but the vengeance of the centuries 
overtook her. That is an old story, and I like not to dwell on it, though I do 
confess that for all my preaching of not exhuming old issues, my heart is stirred 



IviFE OF Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat 195 

with indignation whenever my memory dwells on that odious edict that robbed 
the olive groves of Spain of their most industrious denizens. 

We are here, fellow-citizens, not. to speak of this disadvantage of other gov- 
ernments, or merely to consider the advantages that have come to us from this 
great feat of fifty years ago, but we desire, half a century afterwards, to empha- 
size the great words spoken by Commodore Sloat when he raised the flag on the 
shore of Monterey Bay; and we desire to say that in all the duties that come to 
every man in the legitimate pursuit of business, in the exercise of religious con- 
victions, in the discharge of educational obligations, Old Glory has enabled us to 
do all that free man can do, and will enable us, in the future, to do more than 
was done some fifty years ago. 

I want to say to you right now, fellow-citizens, that when we speak of the flag, 
the glorious stars and stripes — now forty-five stars that are shining in the Ameri- 
can firmament — when we speak of it we should not speak lightly. When we 
speak of it let it not be as if it, altogether, represented the emblem of pcfssession. 
Let us speak of it as the emblem that gives and secures unto us our manhood 
and our womanhood. Let us speak of the flag as the emblem that promises to 
the citizens of America the safe and unimperiled discharge of every duty that 
God can assign to tnem; and that, with the flag in sight, with the flag to protect 
us, we fear neither judge, nor government, nor anything else, but feel that we 
are a power yielding obedience to God alone. And so, in the consideration of our 
present duty, let us dwell for a moment ou the greatness of the legacy that we 
have received. Do 30U know that although we are a million strong in California, 
there are a very few people, comparatively speaking, that realize the magnitude, 
the glory, the beauty of this inheritance that has been secured to us. Sometimes 
it seems to me that we are not as grateful as we might be. 

What does the flag sav to you to-day ? What are you doing to secure for your- 
selves this inheritance of freedom that has so grandly been given to you? Do 
you know — and I am speaking here in the open air and beneath God's canopy — 
do you know that when I find how often you are running like slaves to listen to 
every heresy, every prejudicial remark that appeals to your senses, that I am 
sometimes astonished. There ought to be but one sentiment to-day in the hearts 
of free men. I will give you that sentiment: That the country, no matter how 
it may be divided by parties, is greater than the State; and that the State is 
greater than anybody. And, furthermore, no matter what different opinions may 
prevail in this country, no matter how communities may divide on the subject of 
Church or State, that we will allow every man his opinion, provided he is a loyal 
man; and that we shall say, furthermore, bareheaded and with the memory of 
the deeds of Commodore Sloat in our minds, that while parties come and go. that 
while religions come and go, we will not interfere between parties and opinions, 
but may God palsy the hand that commits treason against the Constitution of the 
United States. This is the language of citizenship. This is the language of the 
old Roman patriot who lived at a time when all were for the State and none were 
for a party. This is the language that should fall from the lips of citizens who 
consider that, though parties may fall with the principles they represent, under 
God's heaven there is but one thing that shall be perpetuated with honor and 
with dignity, and that is Old Glory. 

Therefore, fellow-citizens, take this home with you to-day. We are on the 
eve of a rather exciting contest between parties. I do not care much whether 
the one party or the other will win upon the strength of the predominance of its 
opinion, but I am interested iu one thing only, and that is in the perpetuation of 



196 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

the honor of our country. I am interested in seeing the citizens, be they for one 
party or another, loyal to the Constitution. I am interested in seeing that the 
system of Government and all that it mean^ is protected agamst the insidious 
poison of false opinion. I am interested in seeing our schools kept clean from 
partisan politics. I am interested in a judiciary which shall be kept incorrupti- 
ble. I am interested in bringing about the times of the ancient patriots, when 
self sacrifice was the great duty of the hour, and when every look at the flag in- 
spired them to yield their lives and their fortunes for the honor of their country. 

The speaker concluded in a brilliant peroration, in which he dwelt 
on the glories of California and the inspiring grandeur of the flag under 
which it prospered. Then, suddenly, lowering his voice, he directed 
the prettiest spectacle of the entire day. "Take off your hats," he 
said to the multitude. With one movement every head in the plaza 
was uncovered, every eye was fixed on the grotmd, while the voice of 
the speaker was heard to ascend in prayer. 

"Let us pray to God," he said, "that our country, which is the 
dearest thing we have on earth, may always grow in honor; that our 
people may always be strong in hope, and that we never may be 
ashamed of whatever we shall do for the honor of God, the honor of 
our country and the imperishable glory of the flag." 

"Amen," said the speaker, and a ringing response came from the 
bareheaded crowd, followed almost immediately with ringing three 
cheers for the Orator of the r3ay and the sentiments of his address. 

This enced the exercises, and the crowd broke up, as many as pos- 
sible pushing their way into the home of the veteran firemen, there to 
enjoy the hospitality of an open house. Above and below stairs the 
old boys that used to run with the machine had amply provided for all 
comers. Up aloft they took care of the ladies, the Mexican veterans 
and aged pioneers. Below they furnished lunch to the gunners and the 
younger generation that has always appreciated the work of their elders 
in fiery times. In both places there was a perfect jam, and a holiday 
display of appetite that easily bid fair to eat and drink the entertainers 
out of house and home. It didn't, however, for the reason that the 
old fellows had been there before and there was no end of their supply. 

At the conclusion of the outdoor ceremonies the Exempts and their 
invited guests adjourned to the upper hall of the company's engine- 
house, where an informal reception was held. The hall had been beau- 
tifully and significantly decorated for the occasion. Draped with the 
National colors numerous pictures of veteran firemen were about the 
walls. About each of these pictures groups of hoary-headed firemen 
were gathered all afternoon, and many were the thrilling reminiscences 
of daring deeds of long ago that the representation of features of lead- 
ers long since departed called forth. 

The President's desk was ornamented with huge bouquets, and be- 



Life of Rear Admiral John Drake bLOAT 197 

tweeti these were the trumpets through which the old officers were wont 
to direct their men. These trumpets were also fraught with pleasant 
memories; in fact, it was a daj^ of memories, and the old boys who ran 
with the machine when the century was in its prime grew young men 
as they viewed the emblems of former struggles with the devouring 

element. 

Prominent among the decorations was a bust of Lily Hitchcock, the 
first and only honorary member of the Fire Department. It was her 
distinguished honor to be a member of the Knickerbocker Company, 
No. 5. That was a long time ago, but she yet lives at Larkspur, Marin • 
County, to tell of her popularity with the fire laddies. 

There were other things not so ornamental, but none the less cheer- 
ful, in the hall. At each end was a hospitable-looking table laden with 
good things to eat and drink, especially to drink, and the open-handed 
Exempts dispensed of their good cheer liberally to their guests, not 
forgetting the demands of their own inner men. 

There was speech-making, too, and songs that were loud and lively. 
The speeches were not set affairs, but they had the true ring, and the 
patriotic utterances with which they abounded and the complimentary 
references to the old firemen brought forth applause that would have 
warmed the cockles of any orator's heart. 

Major E. A. Sherman was the first speaker called upon. After re- 
counting the history of the acquisition of California by the United 
States, he said: 

When Commodore Sloat raised the American flag down went the union of 
Church and State, and every man, be he what he is or who he is, can worship 
as he pleases. We don't care what a man believes. He can go to heaven or the 
other place as he pleases and in his own way. 

He concluded: 

I want to say a word in favor of the old flag. The stars in that flag came from 
heaven. There is not a downtrodden race but looks up to those stars. That flag 
is the sun of liberty that shines for all. I have been wounded hi defense of that 
flag, and it is my honor to-day in this assemblage of its loyal supporters to pro- 
pose three cheers for the stars and stripes. 

The cheers were given with right good will. 

He then introduced Captain W. F. Swasey, who was Secretary to 
Thomas O. Larkin, the first and only U. S. Consul to California and at 
Monterey. His was one of the happiest speeches of the day. The 
sight of old friends seemed to inspire him to new endeavors, and as the 
American flag waved before him above the verandah he rose, and m 
tones that trembled with emotion said: 

Old Comrades and Fellow-Citizens: I am the only living man who was con- 
nected with the Stale Govemmtnt when Sloat and Montgomery raised the flag. 



iqS Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

I was Larkin's Secretary at the time. We were all waiting intensely, and when 
the emblem of liberty was raised an invocation went forth from every heart- 
Never until then had we truly felt the power of that piece of bunting that rep- 
reseats what all Americans love. (Cheers ) Never until thea did we feel to its 
fullest extent the flag's permeating and protecting power. 

Then he turned to the great flag waving outside the verandah and 
said: 

Yon waving bunting, behold it in glory there! Beautiful flag of my country, 
emblem of protection and safety to the whole world's down trodden humanity! 
Thou art the beacon light of hope, of succor and of safety to all of God's liberty- 
loving creatures! The eyes of the oppressed and down-trodden m all the earth's 
remotest regions brighten and sparkle with joy when they gaze upon thy rainbow- 
hued loveliness! Born amid the strife and storms of all the elements that war 
against liberty, consecrated in the blood of patriots, the most honored and re- 
vered known to the world's history, what hand shall dare, what heart shall con- 
ceive the damning infamy of lessening the brilliancy of a single stripe or the 
clouding of the lustre of a single star? To us that flag symbolizes so much of 
hope, of happiness and of safety that our hearts cleave to it with a love surpass- 
ing that of man for woman, of mother for child. May it wave forever in majesty 
and in glory undimmed. 

Hon. Robert Ferral followed with a short extemporaneous speech, 
telling the story of the flag. The speech was a series of dramatic 
pictures and the orator was heartily congratulated when he closed. He 
said: 

The pioneers were satisfied with the country they fought for, and did not care 
to leave. You know the story of the Californian of olden days, who refused to 
rise at a camp meeting when the preacher asked that all who wanted to go to 
heaven stand up. Then the minster asked that all desirous of going to hell 
should rise, but the grizzled pioneer refused to stand. "What is the reason you 
don't stand up? Where do you want to go?" asked the preacher at last. "No- 
where," said the old pioneer; "California is good enough for me." 

The speaker touched briefly the story of the Mexican War, its bat- 
tles and its victories, saying: 

The Yankees knew no defeat. They fought on and on for liberty in the face 
of what others would have called defeat. Everywhere their courage was supreme, 
and everywhere the colors waved in glory. 

In spite of creeds and clans, in spite of political and religious divisions, we all 
respect the flag as the emblem of our freedom in this fruitful land. I believe that 
all who saw that glorious emblem raised to-day felt that it was the most beantifal 
piece of bunting that floats today beneath the blue dome of heaven. 

I read one time of an anarchist dying in a foreign land, a man wearv of old- 
world government and its broken promises to the oppressed. Biting the dust and 
cursing human laws, he died, and when the mourners gathered roand, next to his 
silent heart vi^as found a small American flag — emblem of what he sought in vain 
in all the world outside. 

If there is anything that appeals to public honor and to patriotism the Exempt 
Firemen are always to the front. 



Life ok Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 199 

To-day, when the passing years have whitened their heads, the same spi-it 
that prompted them in their youth to go forth and do battle with the fierce flames 
prompted them to-day to come forth and honor their native land. When this flag 
was first raised over the City of San Francisco, this State had the greatest fighting 
men in the world. It has been said here to-day that in the Mexican war the 
Americans never lost a battle. This has been denied by Mexican authority. They 
say the Yankees were repeatedly defeated, but confound them, they didn't know it. 

It has been said that no man in whose heart beats the pulse of liberty looked 
upon the flag which Commodore Sloat raised without enthusiasm. But this is a 
mistake. There was one man. 

Soon after Commodore Sloat raised the American flag, the Commodore of the 
British Navy, who had been sent out to make a conquest of California, sighted 
these shores. He sent one of his men aloft and asked him what he saw. Tlie 
man replied he saw some ensign afloat. "What is it?" asked the Commodore, 
and the man replied, "It is the flag of the United States Republic." 

And then Commodore CoUingwood said, "Damnation!" 

We find that Sloat's action forestalling the English Government gave us Cali- 
fornia. Glad I am to be with you to-day to honor Old Glory. I don't think there 
is a man but who, when he saw that flag run up to-day and saw it kissed by the 
breezes of heaven, thanked God that he was an American and believed that it 
was the finest piece of bunting in the world. I love it, not because it is the most 
beautiful of flags, but because it is the only flag Liberty has ever given us, and 
it represents all humanity. 

It is the flag that gives the liberty of conscience. We may bow to different 
altars, we maj' be Democrats, Populists, or anything 3'ou please, but above all we 
are Americans, loyal to the grandest flag that ever floated 'neath the skies. 

At the conclusion of Judge Ferral's address he was given three 
rousing cheers, and then the Exempts started up the chorus, "He's a 
Jolly Good Fellow," which was joined in with a will. 

Major Pico, one of the historic guests of the occasion, was the next 
speaker. Major Pico is a son of the man who presented. Portsmouth 
plaza to San Francisco, and is one of the most prominent figures in 
California history. The Major spoke enthusiastically of the honor 
which he felt, not only in being a descendant of the Pico family which 
had surrendered California to the United States, but in being himself a 
citizen of this Republic. "I am a true American," he said, "and I am 
also a Native Son. I would to-day be proud to go out and fight for 
that glorious flag if my country needed me." 

Harry Niemann, formerly of the Tivoli, entertained the company 
with a German dialect recitation, which was tumultuously encored. 
Then Gus Pullman, assisted by Niemann and Sam Striker, sang "When 
We Ran with the Old Masheen." It w^as a song that went directly to 
the hearts of their auditors, and the hearty voices of the youthful old 
firemen rang out in the chorus a volume that belied their years. Jack 
McGreany, of the Police Department, sang "The Engine that Housed 
on the Hill." and George Kinney sang another song dear to the hearts 



200 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

of Exempts, "Scaiilan's Chief Again." In all these the firemen joined 
in the chorus. 

Charles Wilson, an old Exempt, told a number of interesting remin- 
iscences of early days in the department, and warmly eulogized the fire 
laddies of the volunteer organizations. 

James O'Donnell, another Exempt, made a humorous and at times 
eloquent address on the flag and the Fire Department. He regretted 
that he was not in California when Captain Montgomery raised the 
stars and stripes in San Francisco. He explained that at that time he 
was but 14 years of age and had not yet left his native land. 

Proceeding more seriously he eulogized the flag as the banner of 
religious and civil liberty to which the down-trodden of every race 
looked hopefull}'. 

One of the most prominent of the guests of honor yesterday was 
Mrs. W. C. R. Smith, whose brother, Joe Vasquez, had brought from 
San Jose the flag that was raised in this city fifty years ago. "Captain 
Leidesdorff sent my brother to Monterey to get the flag," said Mrs. 
Smith yesterday, "and Joe made the trip on horseback, keeping to the 
mountains and to the brush in order to elude the enemies who were on 
the lookout. My brother finished his long ride in very quick time and 
brought the flag safely to this city." 

Mrs. Smith, who is probably one of the oldest native daughters in 
the State, was born in San Jose. In 1843 her mother, Mrs. J. J. Vio- 
get, who had married the first surveyor who laid out the plan of the 
city of San Francisco, came to this city, and soon after her daughter 
followed. Mrs. Smith, who owned up to having been in her younger 
days the favorite girl with the Americans in California, is the wife of 
W. C. R. Smith, a prominent Exempt of old "California 4" and 
"Knickerbocker 5" Companies. 

Following is a list of the now living members of the old Exempt 
Company, most of whom assisted yesterday in the reception at Brenhem 
Place: 

Claus Spreckels, William Alvord, William G. Badger, John S. 
Durkee, I. W. Eees, Joseph F. Marshall, James Smith, Charles M. 
Plum, George W. Kennard, Charles Schultz, Charles S. Eeles, W. L. 
Ryckman, A. Browning, John M. Gardner, Pincus Harris, P. D. 
Quinlan, J. B. F. Louis, A. J. Jessup, Henry A. Chase, S. S. Kohn, 
John S. Dryer, C. Turner, Jr., George T. Bohen, Henry Wieland, N. R. 
Sewell, Isaac Harrington, James O' Donnell, P. H. Fleming, E. Valen- 
cia, A. P. Hotaling, Adam Smith, T. H. Harders, J. J. Crowley, Jacob 
Freeman, Michael Ryan, C. Murr, John Cook, B. H. Schunhoff, R. E. 
Blauvet, Jr., H. Peyser, James Riley, Herman Bendet, Andrew Bahrs, 
J. J. Mundwyler, Thomas Neary, James Grady, Edward Commins, E. 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 201 

T. Antony, M. J. Dolan, Charles R. Nolle, Godfrey Fisher, Henry 
Hock, G. W. Osborn, William Larkins, Henry Voorman, Leon Ara- 
don, James Madden, Ed. Stefflebach, R. Caverly, John G. Heim, 
Simon Fitzpatrick, R. T. Brown, J. W. Kemp, Washington Irving, 
John J. Mahoney, George B. Hess, J. H. McMenomy, Thomas Fox, 
James W. Kentzel, C. Vorrath, Charles B. McFarlane, P. D. Wilkins, 
Louis Bendt, Samuel Striker, John F. Lyons, Henry Sutliff, Joseph 
Figel, Francis Richards, John McCarthy, Samuel Newman, John Strat- 
man, George J. Hobe, S. M. Locke, Martin Bulger, Christian Kobicke, 
John J. Guilfoyle, J. M. Priairo, Henry D. Hudson, John Brougham, 
Charles W. Saunders, Joseph F. Kohn, Mark Harris, George Grief, 
T. B. Robinson. 

Besides the Exempts, there were also many other prominent Pio- 
neers and Mexican War Veterans: S. J. Loop, President of the Mexi- 
can War Veterans; Major Pico, Public Administrator Freese, Fire 
Commissioner F. G. Edwards, Supervisor C. L. Taylor, ex-As.sistant 
Engineer George W. Kennard, "Uncle" G. T. Bromley, ex-Judge 
Robert Ferral, the President of the Society of Old Friends; W. \V. 
Mavil, President of the Oakland Exempts, and President Phineas Mar- 
tin of the Alameda Exempt Company. 

The committees having in charge the various features of the day's 
celebration were: The Committee of Arrangements, consisting of 
George T. Bohen, A. T. Jessup, J. J. Guilfoyle, Joseph Figel, James 
O'Donnell and J. J. Mundwyler, and the Banquet Committee, consist- 
ing of William Larkins, Charles W. McFarlane and Henry A. Chase.. 

As a fitting finale to the celebration three rousing cheers were given 
for the flag, and a stanza of "America" was sung. 



VETERANS ARE PLEASED. 

Thank the Exempt Firemen for the Generous and Cordial 
Reception Accorded Them. 

fFrom the San Fraucisco Call of July lo, 1896.] 

The Veterans of the Mexican War met last evening at their hall, 
22 O'Farrell street. All, the members were highly pleased at the suc- 
cess of the celebrations at Monterey and yesterday at the plaza. The 
first suggestion of having such a celebration was made at a meeting of 
the Veterans almost a year and a half ago, and it was through the 
efforts of individual members of the Association that enthusiasm was 
aroused in the matter. 

Major Sherman especially has been very active in bringing about 
the celebration, and besides giving much of his time has expended 



202 Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat 

money in the cause. Last night resolutions thanking Major Sherman 
for all he has done to make the matter a success were passed, and will 
be suitably engrossed and presented to the Major. 

The following resolution, - offered by Henr}^ Schwartz, was also 
adopted by the Association: 

Resolved, That the Mexican War Veteran Association of San Francisco hereby 
expresses its high appreciation of the generous and cordial reception its members 
received from the Exeinpt Firemen of San Francisco on the fiftieth anniversary 
of raising the American fl ig at San Francisco by the commander of the United 
States steamship "Portsmouth," July 9, 1S46. 

The following letters of thanks were also sent to President George 
T. Bohen of the Exempts and Col. William H. Menton of the Southern 
Pacific for their courtesies extended to the Veterans during the celebra- 
tion just closed: 

Geoi'^e T. Bohen, President of Exempts — 

Dear Sir: Please accept for yourself and the Exempts the thanks of the 
Veterans of the Mexican War for the very elegant and hospitable reception and 
entertainment received by them from you on the fiftieth anniversary (July 9) of 
hoisting the stars and stripes on Portsmouth Square. 

S. J. Loop, President. 

Col. William H. Menton, Passenger Agent of Southern Pacific Co. — 

Dear Sir: Through me the Veterans of the Mexican War wish to express to- 
j'ou their thanks for your kind attention and care in looking after their trans- 
portation to and from Monterey on July 7, T896. S J. Loop. 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 203, 



RESOLUTION OF THANKS 

TO OUR 

COMRADE MAJOR EDWIN A. SHERAIAN, 

Chairman of the Committee of Arrangements of the Asso- 
ciated Veterans of the Mexican War for the Celebra- 
tion OF THE Fiftieth Anniversary of the Raising of 
the American Flag at Monterey, and the Tak- 
ing Possession of California by Commodore 
Sloat of the U. S. Navy, July 7, 1846-, 
Held at Monterey, Cal., July 7, 1896. 

At the regular meeting of the Associated Veterans of the Mexican 
War, held on Thursday evening, July 9, 1896, at their Hall, No. 22 
O'Farrell street, San Francisco, California, among other business trans- 
acted the following action was taken: 

It was moved by Comrade J. C. Tajdor that a committee to be com- 
posed of past Presidents Comrades William L. Duncan, A. Andrews, 
Joseph Stewart and past and present President Sidney J. Loop be ap- 
pointed to draft and present to Comrade Edwun A. Sherman resolu- 
tions of thanks expressing the appreciation and gratitude of this Asso- 
ciation of the Veterans of the Mexican War for his valuable services 
rendered as Chairman of the Committee of Arrangements for the cele- 
bration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the raising of the American flag 
at Monterey, and the taking possession of California by Commodore 
John D. Sloat, on July 7, 1846, which celebration was held at that 
place on July 7, 1896. 

The motion being dul}- seconded, was unanimously adopted. 

Signed: Sidney J. Loop, President- 
Attest: Wm. L. Duncan, Secretary. 

Hall of the Associated Veterans of the Mexican War, 

Thursday, September 20, 1896. 
To the President, Officers and Members of the Associated Vtterajis of the 
Mexican War — 

Comrades: Your Committee, to whom was assigned the pleasing 
duty of drafting resolutions of thanks to our Comrade, Major Edwin 
A. Sherman, Chairman of the Committee of Arrangements for the 
celebration held at Monterey, on July 7th, last, have performed the 
duty required of us, and, in accordance with his wishes, have caused^ 



204 Life of Rear-Admirai, John Drake Sloat 

the same to be printed in the book containing the account of the cele- 
brations pu Wished therein, instead of having them engrossed and 
framed, as we had it in contemplation to do. 

We therefore submit the following accompanying resolutions as our 

report: 

• 

Whereas, It is eminently just and proper that faithful services in the per- 
formance of duty should be duly recognized at all times and in the general busi- 
ness affairs of life where compensation is made for such services rendered; yet 
when there is no other reward to be looked or hoped for than the approval of 
one's own conscience, at the end of a long and patient service of ten years in the 
arrangement of plans for a successful demonstration by the people in the 
marking of an epoch in the history of the American Republic, unparalleled in 
the annals of the world, and such long services having been rendered gratuitously 
at a great sacrifice of so much time and money, for which latter compensation 
and reimbursement has been refused to be accepted in return by a comrade of the 
Associated Veterans of the Mexican War, who, prompted solely by a spirit of the 
purest patriotism, has devoted himself to a most noble object, that of commemo- 
rating the Semi-Centennial Anniversary of American Occupation of California, 
and to indelibly mark the same, by laying the foundation-stone of the base of a 
monument, which, when erected, shall, for all time, be the witness of a grateful, 
loyal and liberty-loving people, to the memory of the faithful and patriotic officer 
and citizen who firsrt planted the Stars and Stripes on these then far-off shores, 
Commodore John Drake Sloat of the U. S. Navy, who added an empire to our 
national domain, such self-denial and self-sacrificing devotion is not only worthy 
of all praise, but deserves the expressed gratitude especially of all his comrades 
of the Veterans of the Mexican War, and the general thanks of the people of the 
State of California; and, 

Whereas, That we may the better recall to our memoiies some of the services 
he has rendered, and that the people of the State of California may be made duly 
aware of the same, that public gratitude may also be extended to him which he 
so eminently deserves, we cite the following facts: 

Under the auspices of the Associated Veterans of the Mexican War, as Chair- 
man of the Committee of Arrangements, he inaugurated and successfully carried 
out the Celebration of the Fortieth Anniversary of the Raising of the American 
Flag at Monterey and Occupation of California by Commodore John D. Sloat 
of tlie U. S. Navy, which, with the cooperation of the U. S. Government and the 
California Pioneers which he secured, made that event memorable in the annals 
of tlie State of California. 

He inaugurated and organized the Sloat Monument Association of California, 
and has served as its Secretary without fee or reward for a period of over ten 
years. 

He successfully defended and maintained the reputation and fair fame of Com- 
modore John Drake Sloat against lying traducers who assailed the character of 
the deceased, who could not speak for himself, and thus after long months of 
secret and open opposition he enabled our Senator, the Hon. George C. Perkins, 
to successfully carry through the bill in the U. S. Senate making au appropria- 
tion of ten thousand dollars for the erection of the Sloat Monument at Monterey. 

He, by his personal influence and laborious correspondence, totally unaided, 
succeeded in arousing the spirit of American patriotism throughout the State, to 
the extent of having the Boards of Supervisors of the several counties provide 



Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat 205 

stones for the base of the monument, and to send their representative young 
ladies to be present at the laying of the corner-stone. 

He made a journey to the city of Washington at his own expense to secure 
the cooperation of the Secretary of War and Secretary of the Navy in the cele- 
bration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Raising of the American flag and tak- 
ing possession of California by Commodore John D. Sloat of the U. S. Navy, 
which mission was crowned with success. 

Through his personal influence and efforts our treasury was aided, that its 
Relief Fund remained untouched, and the Associated Veterans of the Mexican 
War were enabled to proceed to Monterey aud return from the late celebration at 
that place without drawing from the funds appropriated for the relief of our dis- 
tressed comrades. 

As Chairman of the Committee of Arrangements of the Associated Veterans 
of the Mexican War, for the celebiation of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Rais- 
ing of the American flag at Montere}', he gave his time and means for a period of 
nearly a year and a half, and under the most trying and perplexing difficulties, 
and without any appropriations of moneys placed at his disposal whatever, he 
made with the assistance of the Army and Navy a success worthy of the Nation, 
of the Associated Veterans of the Mexican War, of the Pioneers of California and 
of the Sloat Monument Association in the grand historic event commemorated. 

In the bringing together of historic characters; the man who actually raised 
the American flag at Monterey half a century before to raise it again; and the 
few survivors who landed with the forces under Commodore Sloat; those who 
served under Commodore Stockton and Colonel Fremont; the few survivors of 
the U. S. Army and of Stevenson's Regiment who served in Californ'a fifty years 
ago; and the battle-scarred veterans who served with ourselves under Generals 
Taylor, Scott and others, in the Mexican War; in the steps taken by him for the 
celebration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Raising of the American flag at 
San Francisco, July 9, 1846, by Captain Montgomery, of the U. S. S'oop-of-War 
"Portsmouth," as also the previous celebration at Sonoma, of the Fiftieth Anni- 
versary of the Raising of the Bear Flag at that place on June 14th, last, all of 
which deserves the highest commendation, gratitude and praise; therefore, be it 
Resolved, That we tender our Comrade, Major Edwin A. Sherman, our sin- 
cere and heartfelt thanks for his long, patient, laborious and patriotic services 
given in behalf of the Associated Veterans of the Mexican War, extending 
over a long period of years; and that while he enjoys our highest esteem and 
regard, our confidence in his integrity and ability, he is justly entitled to the 
credit of having inaugurated and brought to a successful termination the cele- 
brations already mentioned, and is deserving the gratitude of the people of the 
State of California for his patriotic devotion to her fair fame and the Nation's 
honor in the events which under his direction have been so auspiciously com- 
memorated. 

Resolved, That we earnestly trust and fervently hope that his days may be 
lengthened, and that he may live to finish and enjoy the fruits of his labors in the 
completion of the monument and the erection of the statue of Commodore John 
Drake Sloat so well begun, and the foundation-stone laid, on the U. S. Military 
Reservation at Monterey, and that to this end he is deserving of the hearty sup- 
port and cooperation of all the patriotic citizens; and it is to be hoped that all of 
the Counties of the State of California will be fully represented by their stones 
to be placed in the base of the monument at Monterey. 

Resolved, That these resolutions be spread upon the minutes of our Associa- 



^o6 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

tion, a copy presented to our Comrade, Major Edwin A. Sherman, Chairman of 
the Committee of Arrangements, and a copy of the same printed in the account 
to be published of our late celebrations. 

All of which is respectfully submitted. 

Signed: J. C. Taylor; 

William L. Duncan, Past President; 

A. Andrews, Past President; 

Joseph Stewart, Past President; 

Sidney J. Loop, Past Pres. and Pres. 
Attest: William L. Duncan, Secretary- 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 207 



CHAPTER XI. 

THE RESUMPTION OF LABOR UPON THE BASE OF THE 

SLOAT MONUMENT, UPON THE U. S. MILITARY 

RESERVATION AT MONTEREY. CAL. 

The Senate Bill, after having been successfully carried no less than 
twice through the U. S. Senate unanimously, through the persistent 
efforts of the Hon. Geo, C. Perkins, U. S. Senator from California, and 
appropriating the sum often thousand dollars for the Sloat Monument, 
failed to be taken up and carried through the House of Representa- 
tives, although unanimously^ reported favorably upon by the Library 
Committee to which it had been referred, and three similar bills of the 
like character were from time to time introduced in the latter body by 
Congressmen Hilborn, McLachlan and Metcalf, and like the old darkey 
midwife's description, "the child died a-bornin'," and all they did, 
proved abortive at the end of each session of Congress. 

There was no delay in the Senate in the passing of the bill for the 
appropriation, while the Lower House seemed to have referred it to 
"that Upper House not made with hands eternal in the heavens," with 
the prospect of the Sloat Monument being erected in the air; and it 
now became evident that the people of California must at least con- 
struct the base of the monument themselves before their Representa- 
tives in the National Capitol would be successful in securing the desired 
financial aid. Twelve Counties, with the U. S. Nav}- and the Grand 
Parlors of the Native Sons and Daughters of the Golden West, had 
furnished stones of the prescribed dimensions, which were stored in 
the old Custom House at Monterey awaiting the pleasure of an unap- 
preciative Speaker of the House, who was a broken Reed shaken by 
the wind and deaf to all petitions concerning it. 

The old Custom House having been leased for a term of years to 
the Grand Parlor of the Native Sons of the Golden West upon condi- 
tion of their repairing and restoring it, and the Legislature of California 
having appropriated several thousand dollars for that purpose, it be- 
came necessary to remove the stones; and in order to secure them from 
mutilation at the hands of vandal tourists and relic hunters, it was 
deemed best to haul them to the site of the monument and lay them 
as soon as possible; but there was not a dollar in the treasury of the 
Sloat Monument Association, which was in debt to its Secretary, who 
had served in that capacity voluntaril}' and without pay for a period of 
.nearly sixteen years. 



2o8 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

Dr. Washington Aj-er, the President, and several others of the 
Officers and Members of the Sloat Monument Association were dead, 
and a new election was necessary to be held to fill their places. Ac- 
cordingly a called meeting was held at Monterey for that purpose on 
Friday, August i6, 1901, when the following officers were elected and 
assumed the duties of their respective offices, viz. : 

President, Col. Joseph Stewart, U. S. A. (retired), V. M. W., of 
Berkeley; First Vice-President, Hon. Wm. M. Boggs, V. M. W., of 
Napa; Second Vice-President, Col. Samuel W. Boring, V. M. W., of 
San Jose; Secretary, Major Edwin A. Sherman, V. M. W., of Oak- 
land; Treasurer, Samuel W. Levy, Esq., of San Francisco; Receiver, 
Capt. Thomas G. Lambert, of Monterey; Marshal, Gen. Thomas W. 
Ketcham, V. M. W., of Stockton. These, with Hon. Geo. C. Perkins, 
U. S. Senator, of Oakland; Rev. A. A. McAlister, U. S. N., Mare 
Island Navy Yard; Dr. James L. Cogswell, Pioneer, of San Francisco; 
Hon. Frank Mattison, ex-President N. S. G. W., of Santa Cruz; 
Major John L. Bromley, V. M. W.; David W. Standiford, Pioneer, and 
Hon. Wm. Frank Pierce, of Oakland; Hon. Lewis A. Spitzer, of San 
Jose; Hon. George E. Kennedy, of Livermore, and Mi.ss Clara K. Wit- 
tenmyer, of Mills College, Ex-President of Grand Parlor, N. D. G. W., 
for the Executive Committee. 

The following were elected as the Committee on Design and Con- 
struction: Major Edwin A. Sherman, of Oakland, Chairman; Rev. A. 
A. McAlister, U. S. N., Mare Island Navy Yard; Capt. Franklin J. 
Drake, U. S. N., Mare Island Navy Yard; Hon. Edward M. Preston, 
P. G. M , of Nevada City; Joseph M. English, Esq., Vallejo, and Miss 
Camille Johnston, of Alameda. 

The following were elected Active Members of the Association by 
acclamation: Rear Admirals J. C. Watson and Henry Glass, Captain 
Franklin J. Drake, Commander Thomas S. Phelps, Lieut. Commanders 
F. F'. Nicholson and Alexander Sharp and Cadet Edwin H. Dodd, of 
the U. S. Navy; Mes.srs. J. W. Bagby, H. A. Olmsted, Jonathan 
Wright, V. M. W. ; H. M. Parmelee, Mrs. Thomas G. Lambert and 
Miss Frances B. Orton, of Monterey; Mrs. Emily A. Fish, of Point 
Pinos Lighthouse; John R. Patrick and C. B. Rosendale, of Pacific 
Grove; Henry F. Williams, Pioneer; Samuel W. Holliday, Pioneer; 
James B. Whittemore (great-grandson of Commodore Sloat), Edward 
Dexter and Samuel H. ColHns, of San Francisco; Dr. Hiram N. 
Rucker, Dr. Charles E. Lancaster, Hon. Thomas W. Crawford, PTer- 
man C. Sagehorn and J. Hoyt Toler (son of Wm. P. Toler), of Oak- 
land; Hon. Joseph Knowland, Jr., and Miss Camille Johnston, of Ala- 
meda; Hon. Lewis A. Spitzer, of San Jose; Hon. Frank Mattison and 
Charles Steinmetz (V. M. W.), of Santa Cruz; Hon. Edward M. Pres- 



Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat 209 

ton, P. G. M., of Nevada City; Mrs. Patsy Reed Lewis (of the Donner 
party), of Capitola, and Miss Clara K. Wittenmyer (ex-President N. 
D, G. W., of Mills, making thirty-four added to the Active Roll. 

The following were elected the Local Supervising Committee at 
Monterey, to make contracts to be approved by the Executive Commit- 
tee to be valid, and to inspect and measure the work to be performed 
by the contractor: Capt. Thomas G. Lambert, Chairman; Francis 
Doud (V. M. W.), J. W. Bagby, H.- A. Olmsted, Jonathan Wright (V. 
M. W.), H. M. Parmelee, Mrs. E. A. Fish, Mrs. Thomas G. Lambert, 
Miss Frances B. Orton, John R. Patrick and C. B. Rosendale. 

At this meeting action was taken condemning the book of the Rev. 
S. H. Willey, for reiterating the slanders and falsehoods of the H. H. 
Bancroft so-called history and others, for which the latter had been ex- 
pelled as an honorary member of the San Francisco Society of Califor- 
nia Pioneers. 

The "Life of the Late Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat" being 
prepared by the Secretary of this Association, from authentic official 
records and other reliable data, was most heartily concurred in and 
approved, as a part of the work of the Sloat Monument Association. 

This meeting was then adjourned to meet at San Jose on September 
8, 1 901, when a quorum being present, the following were elected 
Active Members: Hon. Samuel J. Chipman, Henry A. Pfister, Alex. 
P. Murgotten, Lewis Bond, Jr., Claudius G. Sayle, Moses Schallen- 
berger, Homer Prindle, Wm. A. Beasely, Mrs. Grace Aram and Mrs. 
A, R. Woodhams, of Santa Clara County, and Mr. W. T. Jameson, of 
Kern County. 

At this meeting, action was taken in the appointment of committees 
to wait upon the Boards of Supervisors of Alameda and Santa Clara 
Counties to secure appropriations of $100.00 from each for the laying 
of the foundation and these Counties' stones in the base of the Sloat 
Monument at Monterey. 

This meeting was then adjourned. 

The Secretary, with the generous assistance of Major John L. 
Bromley, proceeded with the solicitation of contributions from the 
Board of Supervisors of Alameda County, and from them and from 
Hons. Geo. C. Perkins, Victor H. Metcalf, Fred S. Stratton, Geo. C. 
Pardee, Wm. Frank Pierce, Arthur H. Breed, Mr. Wm, J. Dingee, 
Mrs. Emma Shafter Howard, Mrs. J. G. Laws and others, succeeded 
in securing the required amount for the foundation and laying of the 
Alameda County stone. 

Col. Samuel W. Boring, Hon. Lewis A. Spitzer and Hon. 

Lowe, of San Jose, with others, succeeded in securing an appropriation 
of one hundred dollars from the Board of Supervisors of Santa Clara 



2IO Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

Count)' for the laying of the foundation and stone of that County. 
On November 2, 1901, the concrete foundation for the stones of 
these two Counties having been contracted for and laid, under the 
supervision of the Local Committee, and inspected and approved by 
the Committee of Design and Construction, a called meeting of the 
Sloat Monument Association was held at Monterey on that date. An 
address of welcome was made by Capt. Thomas G. Lambert, Receiver, 
who spoke briefly as follows: 

ADDRESS OF WELCOME. 

For more than sixteen years, the Sloat Monument Association have zealously 
labored to erect a fitting monument to the- memory of that Grand Old Naval 
Hero, John Drake Sloat who, by the authority of the United States, flung the 
Starry Banner to the breezes of the Pacific Coast, irom yonder staff, which won 
for us for all time the Golden State of California. 

The first important act of the Association was the laying of the Corner-stone 
by the Grand Lodge of California on the 7th of July, 1896. Since that day many 
disappointments have beset us; still, the friends of the Association have never 
faltered. 

Now, by the generosity of some of the public-spirited citizens of Alameda 
and Santa Clara Counties, they come to plant upon this foundation the names of 
their Counties, cut in solid and imperishable granite. 

Friends and Companions, we welcome you to this historic spot, and bid you 
Godspeed in the noble work you have come to perform. 

To this Col. Samuel W. Boring, V. M. W., Acting President, re- 
plied as follows: 

RESPONSE. 
Capt. Thomas G . Lambert, Receiver of the Sloat Rlonument Association, and 
Fellozv-Citizens of Monterey : 

We return you our sincere thanks for your kind words of welcome, which, as 
they strike upon the ears of us, who are Veterans of the Mexican War, as Pio- 
neers, as Native Sons and Daughters of the Golden West, and our Masonic 
Brethren who have come to lay these stones with due form and ceremony, cause 
our hearts to beat with more rapid pulsation at your kind words of welcome on 
this auspicious occasion. 

While some of us had entered upon the conflict in the war with Mexico, in 
the campaign along the Rio Grande under General Taylor, two months before 
the gallant Sloat dropped his anchor in the beautiful Bay of Monterey, we little 
knew of the length of arm or the strength of the grip of Uncle Sam, while he 
was holding Mexico at bay with one hand, and stretching out the other, to grasp 
an empire across the Continent, calling for his White-winged Eagles and Sea 
Birds in the Pacific, to fly to this port, and on yonder staff, to place the Stars and 
Stripes, to float over this land until the earth and heavens shall be no more. 

To erect this monument, to commemorate that grand event, is the patriotic 
aim and object of the Sloat Monument Association; and we have come here to- 
day for the purpose of continuing the work so auspiciously begun by the Grand 
Ivodge of Free and Accepted Masons of California, on July 7, 1896, by the laying 
the stones of Alameda and Santa Clara Counties, in accordance with the order 
prescribed for this occasion. 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 211 

To give the signal for this work now to be commenced, let the American Flag 
again be raised on yonder stafT over the Custom House, where it was to stay for- 
ever, by order of Commodore John Drake Sloat over fifty-five years ago. 

Mr. J. Hoyt Toler, the son of ex-Midshipman William P. Toler, 
the Aide-de-Camp of Commodore Sloat, then raised the flag and three 
hearty cheers were given. [His father had raised it three times before 
on that same staff, October 19, 1842; July 7, 1846, and July 7, 1896.] 

The ceremonies of laying the stones were then duly performed. W. 
Bro. George C. Pardee, P. M. of Oakland Lodge, No. 188, F. and A. 
M, (ex-Mayor of Oakland), assisted by W. Bro. John A. Beckwith, P. 
M. of Live Oak Lodge, No. 61, F. and A. M., of Oakland, Bro. Edwin 
A. Sherman and others, then laid the Alameda County stone next to 
the Corner-stone in the East front in due form, with the ceremonies 
especially prepared for the occasion; they using the working tools of 
Live Oak Lodge, No. 61, the Mother Masonic Lodge of Alameda 
County, to connect this historic event with that Lodge and make it a 
matter of history. 

W. Bro. William Delos Smythe, W. M. of Friendship Lodge, No. 
210, F. and A. M., of San Jose, then, with the assistance of W. Bro. 
Samuel W. Boring, P. M. of San Jose Lodge, No. 10, and Bro. Lewis 
A. Spitzer, of Friendship Lodge, No. 210, laid the stone of Santa Clara 
County next to the Alameda County stone in due form. The working 
tools of San Jose Lodge, No. 10, being used, it being the Mother Ma- 
sonic Lodge of Santa Clara County, and to also give them historic 
value. 

When these two stones were laid, three hearty cheers were given 
for these Counties, and also for the workmen, which closed the pro- 
gramme for that occasion. 

A new start had been given to this patriotic undertaking, but work 
must be suspended until more funds were raised, which arduous task 
was left to the Secretary, who had the good will and kind wishes of all. 
By his strenuous efforts and appearing before the Boards of Supervisors 
of Contra Costa and Santa Cruz Counties, and with the assistance of 
Hon. John Whicher, of San Luis Obispo County, which had furnished 
stones, the necessary financial aid was secured to extend the foundation 
and lay them, the Board of Supervisors of Monterey County (through 
the efforts of Capt. Thomas G. Lambert and the Hon. . Thomas J. 
Field, President of that Board) furnishing also a stone for the base of 
the monument, the Association was able to resume work on January 2, 
1902. and to lay these four stones, of which the following account is 
here g^iven: 



212 Life of Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat 



LAYING OF THE COUNTY STONES OF CONTRA COSTA, 

SANTA CRUZ, MONTEREY AND SAN LUIS OBISPO 

COUNTIES, ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 2, 1902. 

The officers and members of the Executive Committee of the Sloat 
Monument Association, the Local Committee of Supervision and a 
large number of spectators were present on the above occasion. Capt. 
Thomas G. Lambert, Receiver, gave an address of welcome, which was 
responded to b}^ Col. Samuel W. Boring, Acting President, in eloquent 
and patriotic terms. 

He then, with the assistance of W. Bros. Thomas G. Lambert, P. 
M. of Monterey Lodge, No. 217, F. and A. M.; Benj. A. Plant, P. 
M. of Santa Cruz Lodge, No. 38, the Secretary and other Masons of 
the Sloat Monument Association, proceeded to lay the Contra Costa 
and the Santa Cruz County stones in due and ancient form. 

Then W. Bro. Henry A. Olmsted, W. M.; Will E. Parker, S. W., 
and W. Thomas G. Lambert, P. M. of Monterey Lodge, No. 217, assisted 
by other Brethren of this Association present, in like manner laid the 
stone of Monterey County as the southeast corner and foundation stone 
in the base of the monument in due Masonic form. 

The Hon. John Whicher, County Clerk of San Luis Obispo County, 
and Worshipful Master of King David's Lodge, No. 209, F. and A. 
M., assisted by the above-named brethren, then laid the San Luis 
Obispo County stone in due form and next to that of Monterey County 
on the South side turning the southeast corner of the base of the mon- 
ument; immediately following which, he delivered a brief, historic, 
interesting and eloquent address, which is made a part of this record. 

W. BRO. JOHN WHICHER, W. M.'S, ADDRESS. 

This enduriug stone, placed by the good graces of the Board of Supervisors 
of San Luis Obispo County, and the generosity of one of our public-spirited 
Pioneers, Dr. George B. Nichols, is typical of the solid and substantial character 
of the material resources which the kind and munificent Creator has bestowed on 
that fair County. It weighs 3,000 pounds, or 187 pounds per cubic foot, and 
stands a crushing test of 18,000 pounds per square inch; hence you may be well 
assured that it will not crumble because of any weight placed upon it. 

This stone is a fair sample, in its solidity and strength, of our manifold re- 
sources. For be it known unto you, we have gold, cinnabar, oil, bituminous 
rock, asphaltum, alabaster, and, best of all, a fertility of soil and salubrity of 
climate that is not and cannot be surpassed in the world. 

The Corn, Wine and Oil, just now poured upon this stone, attest the power of 
our soil, and the fructifying influence of our sun. The oil was made from trees 
planted more than otie hundred years ago by those Catholic fathers whose labors 




L 



ADMIRAL C. S. COTTON, U. S. N. 
Wheu Captain Commanded U. S. Flagship "Philadelphia." Admiral L. A. Beardslee commanding the Pacific 
Station. A brave and skilful officer and a courteous and affable gentleman, worthy ot the command of so noble 
a ship. A Life Member of the Masonic Veteran Associalion of the Pacific Coast. An active Member of the Sloal 
Monument Association 



r.4''=--^ 





REV. W. E. EDMONDSON, U. S. N. 

Chaplain of Flagship "Philadelphia" in 1S96. Second 
Chaplain of the Day at Monterey, Cal., July 7th. 1896. 
"None know him but to love hiiu; none name him but 
to praise." An Honorary Member of the Masonic Vet- 
eran Association of the Pacific Coast. An Honorary 
Member of theSloat Monument Association. 



LIEUT. JAMES B. WHITTEMORE. 

Reader of Commodore John D. Sloat's Proclamation. 
The latter's oldest grandson, and who also read it ten 
years before at the Celebralion oi the 40th Anniversary, 
at the same place, July 7th, 1S86, as well as on July 7th, 

1S96. 



Life op Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat 213 

made so much for California; and, I may say in passing, that those trees yet 
yield their crop of olives as regularly as in years gone by. 

I congratulate the Sloat Monument Association on the progress of the work, 
in erecting a monument to the valor and patriotism of a distinguished oflScer of 
the American Navy, — a work that will perpetuate the name and deeds of an 
American hero, and be a spur to the American youth to emulate his example and 
forever keep the name and fame of our country foremost in the annals of the 
world, for loyalty, patriotism, and intelligent conquest for the betterment of 
mankind. 

He was roundl}- applauded when he had concluded his address. 

At the close, all of the officers and members of the Sloat Monument 
Association present then formed a line upon all the stones laid and 
clasped hands; then, unclosing, gave three cheers for the Sloat Monu- 
ment which had just been reinforced by these four stones and the south- 
east corner turned by those of Monterey " and San L,uis Obispo 
Counties. 

After electing Dr. Geo. B. Nichols, of San Luis Obispo County, an 
Active Member, the Sloat Monument Association then adjourned. 

The Secretary, though enfeebled in health, lame and going on 
crutches, visited several County Boards of Supervisors and organiza- 
tions of a historical character, and by earnest pleading and representa- 
tion, was successful in securing the appropriations asked for, and 
though annoyed and his plans interfered with by outsiders who never 
contributed directly or indirectl}^ one cent towards the erection of the 
monument, he succeeded by steadily pursuing his object, and having 
the unanimous support of the Sloat Monument Association, on Feb- 
ruar}' 22, 1902 (Washington's BirthdajO, the following stones were 
laid with Masonic ceremonies in due form: 

The stone of the Veterans of the Mexican War, by Col. Samuel W. 
Boring, V. M. W.; Major Edwin A. Sherman, V. M. W. ; W.Thomas 
G. Lambert, P. M. ; W. Henry A. Olmsted, W. M.; Jonathan Wright, 
V. M. W. (one of Fremont's men), and Gen, Thomas E. Ketcham, V. 
M. W., and others, under the personal supervision of Col. Joseph 
Stewart (U. S. A), V. M. W., and President of the Sloat Monument 
Association. 

The stone of the Grand Parlor of the Native Sons of the Golden 
West, by Bros. Joseph R. Knowland, J. W. *(one of the Grand Trus- 
tees); Henry Lundstet and the above-named brethren, with the assist- 
ance of others. 

The stone of San Francisco City and County, with the above-named 
brethren and Bros. W. John R. Patrick, P. M.; Will E. Parker, S. W., 
and Jacob W. Bagby, of Monterey Lodge, No. 217, F, and A. M., of 
Monterey. 

Then the stone of San Joaquin County, under the immediate in- 



214 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

spection and supervision of Gen. Thomas E. Ketcham, V. M. W. (and 
Marshal of the Sloat Monument Association), with the assistance of 
the above-named brethren. 

The above-mentioned stones were laid in ver}' inclement cold 
weather, and by some who were feeble by sickness and lame, especially 
the Secretary, who was on crutches, but constantly active in the per- 
formance of his duties, while greatly annoyed by outside parties, who 
were publishing notices of work to be performed on the 4th of July, 
invitations and printing matter gotten out, with the attempt to forestall 
and coerce the Sloat Monument Association to yield to their plans and 
arrangements for a fiesta and a good time. The impertinence and im- 
pudence of these parties, who never contributed a cent to the monu- 
ment, were nowise identified with the Association (and never had 
been), was an unparalleled exhibition of cheek and presumption worse 
than that of Sanballat when he worried the builders at the reconstruc- 
tion of the Temple of Jerusalem. They presumed to lay out the work 
for the Grand Parlor of the Native Sons of the Golden West when, 
there was no Parlor in Monterey, and which knew nothing about them, 
and that Grand Body was the only authority with which the Sloat 
Monument Association had anything to do 

The only newspaper (the New Era), published in Monterey by 
a naturalized British subject of English birth, with the English, 
part apparently unnaturalized, was the organ of that peculiar combina- 
tion of brass and Babbit metal, and made the Secretary of this Associa- 
tion the chief object of its spleen and personal hatred totally without 
cause or reason therefor. Liliputian in physique, mental or manly 
character, this exhibition of caput elep/iantum, with a metallic counte- 
nance and an inflated chest, presumed to represent the public opinion 
of that historic town, while every true American citizen in it lamented 
the evil course pursued, but unable to check or restrain it. Its motto 
seemed to be Ad Monteregtiuni A siriortim Gloriam. V\'e did not have any 
controversy with it or make any reply to it, and should not now refer 
to it, but the circumstances have made it necessary, that our labors,, 
amidst difficulties not of our own creation, may be appreciated by par- 
triotic and decent people, who are gentlemen and ladies, grateful tO'the- 
Veterans of the Mexican War, who gave them California for a home,, 
and who are proud of their American and Californian citizenship 

As it is the aim of the Sloat Monument Association to mark: the 
days of laying the stones upon anniversary days, the stones of the 
Grand Parlor of the Native Daughters of the Golden West and of 
Placer County were laid with due Masonic form on March 8, 1902; to 
commemorate the Fifty-fifth Anniversary of the Landing of Gen. Scott 
and his Army near Vera Cruz on March 9, 1847, jw^t seventeen days 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 215 

after the Battle of Buena Vista, fought by Gen. Taylor against Santa 
Ana with triumphant success against the overwhelming odds of nearly 
five to one. As before mentioned, we were with Gen. Scott in Gen. 
Worth's Division, and in the second boat that touched the shore. Bnt 
this is a digression. 

The two stones last mentioned were duly laid by W. Bros. Thomas 
G. Lambert, P. M. ; Henry A. Olmsted, W. M.; Jacob W. Bagby, 
Edwin A. Sherman, John R. Patrick, Jonathan Wright and others. 

After having performed this duty in extreme feeble health, the Sec- 
retary returned to his home in Oakland, and was prostrated in bed, 
where he was confined by severe sickness and helplessness for a little 
more than two months, and became so reduced that he was considering 
which was best: cremation or interment. The former was the most 
economical, as the latter involved the expense of a slab or a monument; 
but having started one monument, we thought it best to complete that 
before the beginning of another, and as St. Paul says about his giving 
his body to be burned, the subject of cremation was postponed, for 
"Charity begins at home." 

Thanks, however, to a kind Providence, to a faithful, loving wife, 
who gave us careful nursing as a mother would an infant, and under 
the medical treatment of a skillful ex-Army Surgeon, Dr. Samuel B. 
Littlepage, a veteran of the late Civil War, we recovered, though not 
able to dispense with our crutches and medicine for several weeks after- 
ward before resuming our labors. 

LAYING OF THE STONES OF SACRAMENTO, SOLANO AND 

NAPA COUNTIES. 

Having previously visited the Boards of Supervisors and by corre- 
spondence with them, and secured their aid and financial support, the 
stones of the above three Counties were laid with due form on May 17, 
1902, by W. Thomas G. Lambert, P. M.; W. John R. Patrick, P. M.; 
Henry A. Olmsted, W. M.; Jonathan Wright, V. M. W. ; David S. 
Little and Jacob W. Bagby, of Monterey Lodge, No. 217, and Edwin 
A. Sherman, 33°, and a few others, in the presence of a considerable 
number of interested spectators. These stones completed the lower 
course of the North face of the base of the monument, with the excep- 
tion of the stone turning the northwest corner. 

This much had now been accomplished, though through meddling 
interference of the parties heretofore referred to, there was a loss of the 
stone of the City of San Jose and the contribution of $100.00 that was 
to have accompanied it, proposed to be furnished by the Committee 
from the Parlors of the Native Sons of the Golden West of that city. 
This concession to San Jose was made by the Sloat Monument Associa- 



2i6 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

tion for the reason that it was the first town in California to voluntaiih- 
raise the American flag, Commodore Sloat furnishing it upon request, 
and it was hoisted bj^ Fallon and others on July i6, 1846. One of the 
Monterey parties belonging to a San Jose Parlor of Native Sons, b}^ his 
meddling with our affairs, was the cause of local dissension among 
them, and neither stone or donation was contributed to the monument 
from that source. 

The presumption and audacity of that Monterey clique or ring we 
never saw equaled. They had no more right or business to meddle 
with our affairs than the Devil to administer the Sacraments or to serve 
as Steward or Master of Ceremonies and distribute the Lord's Supper. 
They still insisted upon their interference and would not let us alone. 
As the Secretary in his letter to us written March 10, 1892, said: 

"We were in to win. We lost and confess ourselves licked," etc., 
etc. But they then wanted the Sloat Monument Association, whom 
they had caused so much trouble, expense and loss, to unite with them 
on the 4th of July, which self-respect, the recent and former experi- 
ences in 1896, caused us to decline and let them severely alone. The 
new pegs were as bad if not worse than the former ones in the same 
holes. 

Why they should seek to harass, vex and annoy the old Veterans 
of the Mexican War, not one of whom is under seventy years of age, 
and the most of them from seventy-five to eighty years and upwards, 
as well as Pioneers and others of the Sloat Monument Association, is 
past all reasoning and comprehension. That gang would make a Cali- 
fornia Jericho of Monterey, and force the Sloat Monument Association 
(established by the sanction and authority of the U. S. Government 
upon the U. S. Military Reservation between Monterey and Pacific 
Grove) to become a Good Samaritan Societ}^ for all who may desire to 
pass from the Hotel Del Monte to that seaside Salem or New Jerusa- 
lem where, it is said, "the wicked cease from troubling and the weary 
are at rest." 

As there has been a little stir made by the public press in regard to 
the utterances of Gen. Thomas E. Ketcham, which he is said to have 
made at Monterey recently, he referred to what had transpired in July, 
1896, when out of $3,693.15, raised for the Celebration of the Fiftieth 
Anniversary of the Hoisting of the Flag by Commodore Sloat, $1,629 
of which was sent down from San Francisco, only the sum of $325 was 
expended for the Celebration proper. The sum of $150, for the foun- 
dation and laying the Corner-stone of the monument, and that land- 
mark, were all that was left to show for it. Only the paltry sum of 
eight dollars and scveniy-five cents ($8.75) was appropriated to the Ladies' 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 217 

Reception Committee, as shown by their own report for their three 
days' entertainment. 

On July 7, 1896, Admiral L. A. Beardslee was grossly insulted by 
the so-called Director General or Manager of the Local Monterey Com- 
mittee, of that place. We received the following letters from the 
Admiral, which speak for themselves: 

(copy) 
Flagship "Philadpjlphia," Pacific Station, 
San Francisco, October 21, 1S96. 
My Dear Major Sherman : Thanks for the Blue and Gold book. 
While I am unwilling to take sides in the differences which so unfortunately 
occurred to mar the harmony of the celebration, I do not hesitate to say that 
whoever was responsible for the many blunders and discourtesies shown to visit- 
ing guests, and to myself and people under my command, was either a very rude 
man, or men, if more than one was responsible. 

I enclose copy of letter mailed today to Mr. Duckworth, and am 

Yours truly, L. A. Beardslee. 

(copy) 

U. S. Flagship "Philadelphia," 
San Francisco, Cal., October 21, 1896. 
3/r. S. J . Duckii'orth, Secretary Executive Committee Semi-Centennial Celebra- 
tion, Monterey, Cal. — 
Dear Sir: I learn from "Report on Committee of Arrangements of the As- 
sociated Veterans of the Mexican War," that from the funds contributed to be 
expended in items connected with the Semi-Centennial Celebration at Monterey 
on July 7, 1896, there is a certain portion set aside for the purchase of "two 
souvenir banners ordered last evening for the U. S. Ships 'Philadelphia' and 
'Monadnock.' " 

I have to request that as there is, and has been, among those who organized 
and managed the celebration, wide differences of opinion as to the proper distri- 
bution of the money collected, not one dollar of it shall be expended directly or 
indirectly on any of the forces under my command. 

I could not permit the acceptance of a banner under the circumstances. I am 
Yours truly, L. A. Beardslee, Rear Admiral U. S. Navy. 

Yet with this official communication from Admiral Beardslee, that 
Committee proceeded, procured the banners, and would ha\'e forced 
them upon the officers of those vessels in spite of the orders of the 
Admiral, but they were promptly rejected, as they should have been. 
But the people of Monterey had apparently been kept in ignorance of 
these orders or the true reason for their rejection. 

It was these matters which Gen. Ketcham referred to in his re- 
marks. 

We greatly dislike to mention these matters, and we had hoped that 
the lapse of time would have relegated their unpleasant memories to 
the past, but recent occurrences revived them, and self-respect, and a 
proper regard for the interests, rights and duties devolving upon the 



2i8 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

vSloat Monument Association and with former experiences to guide us, 
we were determined not to form any entangling alliances, and espe- 
cially with those who, wathout any cause on our part, had secretly and 
openly fought us as our enemies, and acknowledged themselves in 
writing "as being licked y 

They had never contributed a cent for the monument, did not be- 
long to the Association, and had no lot or part in it, and we quietly let 
them severely alone and proceeded wuth our business, and to make the 
126th Anniversary of American Independence, July 4, 1902, memora- 
ble by crowning the Northeast corner of the base of the monument 
with the U. S. Navy and other stones of a historic character. 

The Rev. Bro. A. A. McAlister, Chaplain of Mare Island Navy 
Yard, to whom the Sloat Monument Association is greatly indebted for 
his earnest and zealous efforts in its behalf, collected contributions from 
the officers and crews of various ships of war in 1896, to provide a stone 
to represent the Navy and for laying it. That stone was promptly fur- 
nished and sent to Monterey that year, and the first money paid and 
received from any source, after the Corner-stone was laid, excepting 
that advanced by the Secretary for printing and other expenses. 

Permission was asked of Rear Admiral Merrill Miller, Commandant 
at Mare Island Navy Yard, and cheerfully granted by him, to solicit 
contributions for the monument from the employees to provide a stone 
and the means for laying it and towards the foundation, as the Mare 
Island Navy Yard was located and purchased for the U. S. Government 
by the Board of Officers of which Commodore John Drake Sloat was 
President, fifty years before, in 1852. This task of soliciting contribu- 
tions was also placed in charge of the Rev. A. A. McAlister, U. S. N.,. 
the Chaplain at that station, and with the assistance of the Foremen of 
the various Departments he successfully accomplished it, and the stone 
ordered prepared and sent to Monterey. 

As Mining was the first chief industry in California immediately 
after the discovery of gold in January, 1848, and for several decades 
following, and still pursued by a large proportion of our fellow-citizens,, 
it was deemed proper that it should be prominently represented by giv- 
ing it a place next to the U. S. Navy stone on the Northeast corner in 
that particular historic group. Accordingly, the Secretary addressed 
a letter to the W. Bro. Hon. Edward C. Voorheis, State Senator and 
President of the California Miners' Association, residing at Sutter 
Creek, Amador County, requesting that his Association should provide 
a stone and make an appropriation for laying it and the concrete core 
of the base of the monument, and that R. W. Bro. the Hon. Jacob H. 
Neff, their ex-President, and Lieut. -Governor of the State of California, 
with the assistance of his officers and members, should lay it. This 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 219' 

request was most cordially and fraternally conceded, the stone fur- 
nished and the funds provided as asked for. 

As we had assisted in 1854 and 1855 in surveying the first Railroad 
in California, that of the Sacramento Valley Railroad from Freeport 
and Sacramento to Folsom, which road was afterwards absorbed by 
that of the First National Overland Railroad, and which received aid 
from the U. S. Government, to more closely bind California to the 
Union when in danger of disruption, we addressed a letter to Mr. 
Kruttschnitt, Assistant to the President of the Central Pacific Railroad 
Company, inviting that Company to furnish a stone properly marked, 
and to be accompanied by an appropriation for laying it, and that W. 
Bro. George T. Bromley, P. M., and the first railroad conductor in 
California, and of the Sacramento Valley Railroad, might, with the 
assistance of ourself and others, have the honor of laying it. This 
was promptly conceded, the funds sent and the stone furnished in due 
season. 

On May loth, nth, 12th and 13th, 1902, we paid a visit to Mare 
Island Navy Yard, Vallejo, Sacramento and Woodland, to meet Super- 
visors and others of the Northern Counties and urge them to do as 
others had done and were doing, and obtained promises to aid in this- 
patriotic and historic work, to which the press gave its hearty support. 

The Annual Convention of Supervisors of California were to meet 
at Redwood City, San Mateo County, on Monday, May ist, 1902^ 
which the Secretary w^as recommended to attend, and did so. He was 
most cordially received, and invited by that body to address them upon 
the subject of the Sloat Monument, which he did to the best of his- 
ability. His remarks were received with a hearty applause and the 
following action was taken: 

Hon. Samuel Braunhart, Supervisor from San Francisco (after the 
matter w^as fully considered), moved "that the Supervisors present 
bring the matter before their respective Boards, wdth the recommenda- 
tion of the Convention that the Counties respond tO the call of the 
Monument Committee," which was unanimously carried, 

The Secretary of the Sloat Monument Association was then by 3. 
unanimous vote elected an Honorary Member of that Convention, 

The press of Redwood City gave us its hearty support. 

The Board of Supervisors of San Mateo County, P. H. McEvoy 
and others, treated their visitors most hospitably, by furnishing carriage* 
and taking them to the Stanford University and other places of interest,, 
as well as a walk to the largest tannery in the State of California at Red- 
wood City. Job says "Skin for skin, yea all that a man hath will he 
give for his life." It was so with the Supervisor from Sacramento, 
who immediately rushed for the door on entering, for his stomach was 



220 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

immediately undergoing the tanning process and about being converted 
into an empty buckskin purse, and he threw up time for eternit}-, for 
he lost his watch, which was afterwards found and delivered to him. 
He did not come to the banquet table that evening with a sharpened 
appetite without the aid of Worcestershire and pepper-sauce. 

The entertainment given by "Bonita Parlor of Native Daughters of 
the Golden West" was admirable and first-class, and received the 
hearty applause of the large audience present, while the address of the 
Hon. James O'Keefe was eloquent, patriotic, and replete with good 
sense. 

At the banquet table that evening, there was some very fine oratory 
and good music, instrumental and vocal. We there met many old friends 
and acquaintances and found new ones, all promising to aid the Sloat 
Monument Association. There was one present from Alameda County 
who is looking to the Supreme Court Clerkship of the State of Califor- 
nia, who made a better speech abroad than he does at home, and it was 
a good one, and an honor to him and his county which he represented. 
The only question that then presented itself to us while he was speak- 
ing, was that which confronted Joshua when he took command of the 
Israelites, after the death of Moses. Would the lowering of the water 
raise the banks of the Jorda^i f The Contra Costa Water Company of 
Oakland will have to decide that question. 

On the Saturday morning following we started to take the early 
train home. There were several Supervisors going at the same time, 
and three or four of them were just ahead of us getting on the train, 
and as we were the last and lame, we had only got our left foot on the 
step and left hand on the iron next the brake, when the train jumped 
and started almost at full speed. Mr. McCarty, of Martinez, held on 
to us while the others tried to aid him, and the train flying faster, and 
we were about to fall; but some one pulled the bell-cord, the train came 
to a sudden stop with a jerk, which gave us a fearful wrench, from the 
effects of which we have not yet recovered. We acknowledge our deep 
gratitude to Mr. McCarty and the others for thus saving our life, and 
•doing their best in not postponing the erection of the Sloat Monument. 

We had now done all that was possible with our health and means 
at command, and it was necessar}^ to make preparation for the laying of 
the stones provided, on the coming of the 4th of July at Monterey. 
On the 8th of June we received a message from Rev. A. A. McAlister, 
U. S. N., Chaplain at Mare Island Navy Yard, and one of the Execu- 
tive Committee of the Sloat Monument Association, to come up imme- 
diately on matters of great importance, and we did so. 

We learned from him that all the U. S. ships of war in California 
waters had been ordered to Puget Sound, and that all had sailed but 




MAJOR TULLY McCREA, U. S. A. 

Who commanded the Batteries ol U. S. Artillery at 
the celebration of the ,soth Anniversary of the Raising 
of the American flag at Monterey, July 7th, 1S96, and 
aided so much to make it a success, and to whom the 
Associated Veterans of the Mexican War are greatly 
indebted. Honorary Member of the Sloat Monument 
Association. 







HON. NILES SRARLES, 
Ok San Francisco, Cal. 
Ex- President of Society of California Pioneers. Hon- 
orary Member of the Sloat Monument Association. Ex- 
Judge of the Supreme Court of California. Commiss- 
ioner of the Supreme Court of California. Honorary 
Member of the Masonic Veteran Association of the Pa- 
cific Coast. 



COL. O. D. GREENE, U. S. A. 

Assistant Adjutant General of the Department of Cal- 
ifornia. A most courteous and affable gentlemen, who 
graciously rendered his services to make the celebration 
a success both at Monterey and at San Francisco on 
July 7th, and 9th, 1896.— E. A. 




CAFT. JAMES D. ADAMS, U. S. N. 

Commanding U. S. Ship "Alert." and who hoisted the American Flag (of his own ship) upon the original sta 
over the Old Custom House at Monterey, California, on Friday, July 4, 1902, fifty-six years after Commodore Joh 
Drake Sloat of the U. S. Navy, took possession of California, at Monterey. July 7, 1846. Thus iaentifying the 1 
S Navy for the third time in commemoration of that glorious event. All honor to this gallant ofiBcer and h 
commanil. 




THE NAVAL BATTALION OF THE U. S. SHIP "ALERT," 

Presenting arms, at the raising of the American Flag by Capt. James D. Adams, U S. N., over the Old Custo 
House, at Monterey. California, on Kridav. July 4 i902."the 126th Anniversary of American Indepeudeuce. 

(Hrom a photograph taken by one of the crew. Presented by Capt. James D. Adams, U. S. N., Commandiu 
— Read SkMs and Curios and not HcU's Curios on the sign above the Battalion; the small American flag covers tl 



letter "s 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 221 

the Training Ship "Alert," Capt. J. D. Adams, who was to sail on 
Tuesday morning also for the north, and there was no time to be lost 
to have his orders countermanded, and he be directed to report with his 
ship at Monterey to aid the Sloat Monument Association on the 4th of 
July. 

Capt. Adams at once saw the importance of it, and prepared his 
telegram for the Nav}^ Department at Washington, but it could not be 
sent until Monday morning, for the telegraph office was closed. We 
remained over night the guest of the Rev. A. A. McAlister, and took 
the early train the next morning for home, arriving at 9 o'clock, and 
immediately telegraphed to the Hon. George C. Perkins, our U. S. 
Senator at Washington, to see the Secretary of the Navy and have the 
"Alert" ordered to Monterey for the 4th of July. 

To our gratification and delight, on Tuesday morning, June loth, 
we received a dispatch from him that our request w^as granted. Shortly 
afterwards the "Alert" sailed for the southern coast of California. 

This important matter having been attended to. the work upon the 
concrete foundation of the monument was pushed as rapidly as possi- 
ble; notices and invitations had been sent weeks before to invited 
guests, including the President and Board of Trustees of the Cit}- of 
Monterey as well, to attend the ceremonies of laying the U. S. Navy 
and other stones in the base of the monument on the coming of the 4th 
of July, from ivhich latter body no reply ivas ever received^ the Clerk of 
which is also Wells-Fargo's agent at that place, and a man of honor 
and integrit}^ in the care of whom that letter of invitation was sent. 
As that body had never appropriated or contributed a cent towards the 
monument, its silence perhaps may be thus accounted for. 

Every preparation was now being made by the Executive Committee 
of the Sloat Monument Association, with the Assistance of the Local 
Supervising Committee of the work at Monterey, for the reception of 
Capt. J. D. Adams with his command of the "Alert" and the distin- 
guished gentlemen and visitors who were to take part in the imposing 
ceremonies to be performed at the site of the monument. 

Our Senator, Hon. George C. Perkins, at Washington had been suc- 
cessful in getting his ' 'Bill for the Aid of the Construction of the Sloat 
Monument at Monterey" passed through the Senate on the last day of 
the session, but too late to go through the House, and it went over to 
the next winter's session. The appropriation is for $10,000 for the 
superstructure and not for the base of the monument, which the Coun- 
ties of the State are to make provision for in the manner now being 
done. Senator Perkins has been a member of the Sloat Monument 
Association and of its Executive Committee from the beginning, a 
period of sixteen years, has given it his cordial support, and in the U. 



:222 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

S. Senate caused a bill appropriating $10,000 for the third time ; and if 
it does not now pass the House of Representatives in the next session, 
.let the people of California hold their Representatives personally and 
politicall}' responsible if it fails, and without regard to part}' or pre- 
vious condition of servitude. 

But whether the bill passes or not, we shall not relax our efforts until 
the statue of Admiral John Drake Sloat is unveiled. We shall go on with 
■our work in asking for stones and money, and laying them until the 
base of the monument at least is complete; and the guns now at Mare 
Island Navy Yard that belonged to Sloat' s and Stockton's squadrons 
at that time are mounted upon it, and return the salutes that will be 
fired from breech-loading guns from more modern ships of Avar; and 
^adopting the language of "Old Hickory," Gen. Andrew Jackson, when 
President, ''By the Eternal,'" the Sloat Monument at Monterey shall be 
built! 

Happily for our purpose, the site is located where it is secure and 
free from the intrusion of meddling schemers of every character what- 
ever. It was desired at first to erect it upon the Custom House Reser- 
vation near where Commodore Sloat' s forces landed, but that had been 
encroached and squatted upon by foreign fishermen, who had erected 
their houses upon it and which still remain and are occupied by them. 
The U. S. Military Reservation was the onlj^ place, and the site selected 
and marked by the. U. S. engineer officers under orders of the Secretary 
of War and under his protection. Another spot was more desirable 
lower down where the old fort, now entirely obliterated, once existed, 
and where the granite statue and boat of Padre Junipero Serra was 
erected by Mrs. Jane Stanford. It being a statue of a member of a re- 
ligious order, it was an act of impropriety to have erected it on a purely 
military reservation. It should have been erected on an arch built over 
the little ravine permitting the water to pass under it, and the identical 
■spot where he landed from his boat and on the site where the oak tree 
stood, now marked by a wooden cross, and where he is said to have 
said mass after landing; or, it should have been erected at either San 
Carlos or the Carmel Mission. Governor Stanford, having been U. S. 
Senator at the time, his wife may have thought that she would not 
meet with any objection in putting it on the Military Reservation, when 
she generously made the donation of $5,000 in erecting this statue in 
honor of the memory of the foremost and greatest religious pioneer 
that ever planted his feet and set up his cross on the soil of California. 
For the Sloat Monument Association to also have chosen a site near 
it on the same eminence for the Sloat Monument, it would have over- 
shadowed and belittled that of Padre Junipero Serra, been utterly out 
of place for both, and made that spot look like a cemetery; so the 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 223 

present site, immediately below the prolonged angle of the angle of old 
Fort Mervine, original!}' constructed b}^ Mr. Wm. P. Toler, Commo- 
dore Sloat' s Aide-de-Camp, was chosen, leaving the statue of the good 
Padre Junipero Serra to stand out before all the world in full relief 
below. 

On our arrival at Montere}' on Jul}' i, 1902, to make arrangements 
for the coming Independence Day, we found no change for the better 
in and about the Custom House Reservation. The flagpole, which had 
been honored by Commodore Jones, Commodore Sloat, Wm. P. Toler 
and other distinguished Americans, was leaning over at an angle of 
about twenty degrees, and barely held up by a little piece of rope near 
the bottom. The Custom House along its sea front continued to be 
used by the fishermen repairing their nets, while the south portion was 
■occupied by some living in it, and we learned that permission was 
given them by one of the Trustees of the State appointed by the Gov- 
ernor, and he the Mayor of the town. This condition was and is a 
disgrace to Monterey, to the vState of California, and to the Nation. It 
shows a total disregard to decency, for public appearance, and a total 
absence of patriotism as well as local pride. It would have been better 
to have never leased the property to the State of California, but for the 
U. S. Government to have itself ejected the occupants from the Custom 
House Reservation and made the repairs itself. 

On the evening of the ist of July, one of the committee which had 
gotten up a local celebration of the 4th of July called upon us, and de- 
sired to have us unite with their affair. This we positively declined to 
do under any circumstances. He was one of the party who had already 
interfered with our business before, and cost us loss and trouble. We 
were engaged in a national work, and had made our arrangements 
months before with officers of the U. S. Army and Navy, the Liuten- 
ant -Governor and others who had come to attend the laying of the 
stones in the monument and nothing else. That if they as loyal 
American citizens wanted to celebrate the 4th of July properly, they 
were welcome to unite their procession with ours and follow the marines 
and sailors of Uncle Sam up to where the monument was being built, 
but this he declined. He then wanted to know if we had any objec- 
tions to having the U. S. forces escort their procession through the 
town. To this we replied, "No, but not until we were through with 
them." He then asked if we would object if Capt. Adams when he 
arrived would give his consent. To this we replied, "No, if he desired 
to, and that I would mention the matter to him." He then left. 

On Thursday morning, July 3d, the U. S. Ship "Alert" arrived and 
anchored. The New Era newspaper, published by Wm. Kay, the 
naturalized English subject referred to, made its appearance, with the 



224 Life of Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat 

full programme arranged by that committee, the order of parade and 
exercises to be held in front of the Central Hotel on Alvarado street, 
which was perfectly proper for their own little local affair if they so 
desired; but neither in their programme, or anywhere else in that pa- 
per, was there an^^thing mentioned in the way even of local news that 
there were to be any laying of stones or ceremonies at the Sloat Monu- 
ment, or of the marching of Capt. Adams' command, or the firing of 
salutes from the U. S. Sloop-of-War "Alert." 

This fact determined our purpose to have nothing to do with such a 
set whatsoever. We were also determined that no slight or insult 
should be put upon Capt. Adams or an}^ of his officers as had been done 
to Admiral Beardslee six years before on July 7, 1896, an account of 
which has already been given herein; and when also there came very 
near being a riot between the U. S. seamen and the fishermen already 
referred to, when some of the latter tore down some of the small Amer- 
ican flags and decorations upon the wharf, when the sailors were 
angered and about to tear down their shanties and throw them into the 
bay; but better judgment prevailed, the flags and decorations were 
replaced, peace restored and probable bloodshed saved. 

Early on the morning of the 3d of July, at 8 o'clock, a boat put off 
from the "Alert," and a messenger landed with a letter, which he 
handed to us, directed to the Mayor of Monterey, and asked where he 
could find him, and we informed him probably at his residence up 
town; but we told him that Capt. Adams desired to see us as much as 
anybody. We then stepped into the boat and were rowed to the ship, 
welcomed on board and invited into the cabin, where we were most 
•cordially greeted by him and his officers. He then shewed us and read 
his orders before all present. We handed him the copy of the paper 
referred to, which made no mention of the laying of the Sloat Monu- 
ment stones whatever or anything in connection with them. This 
fixed Capt. Adams' decision at once. Our programme was complete, 
all but the hour of starting, which was for him to set, which he did, 
making it 10 A. M. when he was to hoist the American flag brought 
from his own ship, to be taken back on his return and preserved as a 
historic souvenir of the event. A boat was placed at our service and 
we were conveyed ashore, and at once, with the assistance of J. W. 
Bagby, one of our own Committee at Monterey, our notices were 
posted up in all public places, at the Del Monte Hotel and Pacific Grove. 

On the evening of the 3d, all who were to participate in the cere- 
monies with their friends had arrived. Carriages were procured and 
arranged for the next day's proceedings, and nothing was left undone 
by our Committee for the duties required. 

This now brings us to 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 225 



THE CELEBRATION AT MONTEREY OF THE 
FOURTH OF JULY, 1902, 

BY THE 

SLOAT MONUMENT ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA, 

Including Officers of the U. S. Army and Navy, the Liku- 
tenant-Governor, State Senators and Assemblymen and 
Others, and the Laying of the Stones of the U. S. 
Navy, Mare Island Navy Yard, California Miners' 
Association and of the Central Pacific Rail- 
road Company, in the Base of the Sloat 
Monument on the U. S. Military 
Reservation at Monterey. 

Promptly at the hour set, at 10 o'clock A. m., on Friday, the 4th of 
July, 1902, the Naval Battalion from the U. S. Training Ship "Alert," 
Capt. J. D. Adams commanding, landed, and were dra'vn up in line in 
front of the old Custom House, Lieut. -Governor Jacob H. Neff, Hon. 
Edward C. Voorheis, the Officers and Members of the Sloat Monument 
Association, and many others assembled, with Capt. J. D. Adams and 
his staff and other guests also in carriages, which had been provided 
for them. The procession was formed by Gen. Thomas E. Ketcham, 
V. M. W., Marshal of the Sloat Monument Association, Just before 
starting he accompanied Capt. J. D. Adams of the U. S. Ship "Alert" 
to the verandah of the old Custom House, where the latter attached to 
the halliards the American flag brought ashore from his own ship, and 
which he hoisted upon the same pole upon w^hich Commodore Sloat 
raised his flag on July 7, 1846, or fifty-six years before. 

The procession, escorted by the Naval Battalion, then marched to 
the site of the Sloat Monument on the U. S. Military Reservation, 
where was a large assembly of people from Monterey, Pacific Grove, the 
Hotel Del Monte, and from other cities and towns in various parts of 
California, and visitors from other States, who had come to participate 
in and witness the imposing ceremonies of laying the U. S. Navy, the 
U. S. Navy Yard, the California Miners' Association's and the Central 
Pacific Railroad Company's stones. 

The Ladies' Reception Committee, under the Chairmanship of Mrs. 
Emily A. Fish, was present to receive and welcome lady visitors from 
abroad, who came wearing the badges of the Sloat Monument Associa- 



226 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

tion furnished for the occasion. The rest of her Committee, whom she 
was permitted to select herself, were Mesdames M. M. Gragg, J. P. 
Sargent, M. Hams, W. W. James, T. J. Field, James F. Moore, Wm. 
Kay and Miss Margaret Jacks. [We will here note that Mrs. Fish is 
the lady in charge of the Point Pinos Lighthouse and the mother of 
Mrs. E H. Nichols, the widow of the late Capt. Ezra H. Nichols, 
of the U. S. Nav}', who fell and died under the extreme heat while in 
command of the "Monadnock" in battle with the insurgents at Para- 
naque, in the Philippine Islands, whose remains were brought to Oak- 
land, Cal., and buried with Masonic and Naval honors.] 

Upon arrival at the site of the Sloat Monument, the Naval Bat- 
talion was formed in square around it, the guests being provided with 
chairs and seated while the large audience remained standing, a portion 
of whom were seated upon the stones alread}^ laid and lying around. 

The Union Jack of the Nav}- covered the U. S. Navy and the Mare 
Island stones to be laid, and was in charge of a seaman appointed for 
that purpose. 

The vessels of Corn, Wine, Oil and Salt used in the ceremonies, 
instead of being of gold and silver on such occasions, were of Nep- 
tune's choicest offerings; being beautiful polished irridescent abalone 
and other sea-shells loaned for the occasion by Bro. J. K. Oliver, and 
exceedingly appropriate for that occasion. 

When all had been arranged b}' the Marshal, Gen Ketcham, the 
following address of welcome was delivered b}' Capt. Thomas G. Lam- 
bert, the Receiver of the Sloat Monument Association at Monterey: 

address of welcome, 
By Capt. Thomas G. Lambert, Receiver, of Monterey. 

Jfr. President, Ladies and Genilemen : On this, the one hundred and twenty- 
sixth anniversary of the independence of the United States of America, and the 
fifty-sixth of the occupation of California, the Sloat Monument Association wel- 
come 5'ou, the Associated Veterans of the Mexican War; welcome the Pioneers 
of California; welcome the representatives of the Army and Navy of the United 
States; welcome the Native Sons and Daughters of the Golden West; and the 
La'lies and Gentlemen from every walk of life — all welcome to this historic spot. 

We have assembled for the purpose of paying a tribute to the memory of that 
gallant son of the United States Navy, John Drake Sloat, who fifty-six years ago 
fiuug to the breeze the Starry Banner, our Nation's emblem, that placed Califor- 
nia under the protecting care of the American Republic, under which it sprang 
forth as a Golden Star in that Grand Constellation of our Glorious Union. [Ap- 
plause.] 

This was responded to by Col. Joseph Stewart, U. S. A. (retired). 
President of the Sloat Monument Association, and also President of the 
Associated Veterans of the Mexican War, and ex-officio President of 
the Day. 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 227 

RESPONSE. 

By Col. Joseph A. Stewart, U. S. A., President of the Day. 

Capt. Lambert, Lieut.-Gov. Neff, Officers of the Army and Navy, Ladies and 
Fellow-Citizens: It is with great pride and pleasure, as President of the Sloat Monu- 
ment Association of California, that I meet you here on this joyous occasion, and 
to continue the work of laying these stones in the base of this monument upon 
which is to ba erected the pedestal upon which is to be raised and unveiled, in 
the near future, the statue of that gallant officer of the United States Navy, the 
late Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat, who caused to be raised on yonder staflf the 
Flag of our Country, the title deed of American possession of our Golden State 
of California. In after years, I, for a while, as an officer of the U. S. Army in 
command, was stationed here, and performed the duties assigned to me until 
ordered to other posts elsewhere. 

The work of the Sloat Monument Association in the erection of this monu- 
ment has been well done by the Committee of Design and Construction, of which 
our Secretary, Major Sherman, is the Chairman, by whose zeal and persistent 
efforts, with the aid of others, these stones have been furnished, the money raised, 
and the present forward con lition of the work performed, as exhibited here to- 
day, and that which you are to add to by your labors. [Applause.] But we will 
proceed with our programme, as the chill wind admonishes us to be brief in our 
remarks. Our Chaplain, Rev. A. A. McAlister, Chaplain of the U. S. Navy, will 
now offer prayer. 

PRAYER. 

By Rev. A. A. McAlister, Chaplain U. S. Navy. 

O God. the Ruler of the Universe and Sovereign Lord of all men, we thank 
Thee for the national blessings which Thou hast freely bestowed upon us, and 
especially for raising up from the common people, from time to time, many truly 
patriotic officers and public servants. We thank Thee for wise and honorable 
statesmen to conduct the affairs of the Government, so that peace and prosperity 
prevail in our land. May we enjoy liberty without license or recklessness, and 
freedom without encroaching on the rights of our neighbors. May the priceless 
treasure which we have received from our forefathers in respect for law, a love of 
justice, pride in good citizenship, habits of industry and an ardent desire for pro- 
gress, be transmitted as an inheritance to our successors. Forgive us our faults, 
and give us grace to correct them. Incline our hearts to emulate the noble ex- 
amples of those who deprive themselves of the comforts of life in order to pro- 
mote the honor of the country, and risk their lives to extend the blessings of 
civilization to our dependencies. May these monuments to the memory of our 
heroes be constant reminders to us that the exercise of the privilege of loving our 
country is an essential part of our Christian duty, and neglect of our obligations to 
the Government is an act of criminality. Make us honest, patriotic citizens, 
grateful to Thee for the advantages which place us foremost among nations, and 
for the unparalleled means of happiness which Americans enjoy. May our up- 
right lives and meritorious conduct, rather than the service of our lips, prove that 
we follow the ways of righteousness, and delight to worship a just and holy God. 
Hear us for Thy Son, our Savior's sake. Amen. 



228 Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat 

READING OF COMMODORE SLOAT'S PROCLAMATION. 

By His Great-Grandson, J. B. Whittemore. 

Mr. J. B. Whittemore, the great-grandson of Commodore Sloat, was 
then introduced to the people, who gave him a most cordial greeting. 
The late Hon. Rodman M. Price, Governor of New Jersey, who was 
Purser in the U. S. Navy under Commodore Sloat, by the latter' s order, 
read it for the first time when possession was taken of California at 
Monterey, July 7, 1846. The late lyieut. James B, Whittemore, of the 
California Volunteers, grandson of Commodore Sloat, read the original 
(written by the late Wm. P. Toler, Aide-de-Camp of Commodore Sloat), 
at the celebration of the fortieth anniversary in July, 1886, and also at 
the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary at Monterey on July 7, 1896. 
His son, Mr. J. B. Whittemore, Jr., then read his great-grandfather's 
proclamation at the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the raising 
of the American flag at Yerba Buena (San Francisco), July 9, 1896, by 
Capt. Montgomery, commanding the U. S. Sloop-of-War '"Ports- 
mouth," on the Plaza, which is now known as Portsmouth Square. 

[We take this occasion to acknowledge our great indebtedness to 
him, and to his mother and sister, for their valuable aid in furnishing 
to us so much of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat's family history and 
life given in his biography.] 

READING OF TELEGRAMS AND LETTERS. 

By Major Edwin ' A Sherman, Secretary. 

[Letter from the President of the United States.] 

White House, Washington, June 27, 1902. 
My Dear Sir: Your favor of the 22d instant has been received, and in reply 
the President requests me to express his regret that engagements already made 
will preclude him from accepting the invitation which you have been good 
enough to extend to him for July 4th. 

It would afford the President real pleasure to attend the exercises to which 
you refer, and he requests me to convey to you his best wishes for the complete 
success of the occasion. Very truly yours, 

Geo. B. Cortelyou, 
Secretary to the President. 
Major Edwin A. Sherman, 
877 Jackson street, 
Oakland, Cal. 

[Letter from the Secretary of War.] 

War Department, Washington, June 28, 1902. 
Dear Sir: I am in receipt of your letter of June 22d, extending to me, OU' 
behalf of the Sloat Monument Association of California, an invitation to be 
present at Monterey, Cal., on the Fourth of July, to attend the laying of the U. 
S. Navy's and other stones in the base of the Sloat Monument. 




PASSED-ASSISTANT PAYMASTER, BRO, FREDERICK KING PERKINS, U.S. N. 

of the U. .S. Ship "Alert," and a member of Live Oak Lodge No. 6i, F. & A. M. of Oakland, California, who assisted 
in laying the U. S. Navy Stone in the base of the Sloat Monument at Monterey, California, on Friday, July 4, 1902. 
A worthy son of an honored and distinguished father, M. W. Bro. Geo. C. Perkins, P. G. M., P. G. C, Ex-Governor 
and U. S. Senator of California, and one ot the Executive Committee of the Sloat Monument .'Association. 




THE NAVAL BATTALION OE THE U. S. SHIP "ALERT," 

Escorting the Procession to the Site of the Sloat Monument on the U. S. Military Reservation at Monterey, Califor' 
nia, on Friday, July 4, 1902, to attend the laying of the U. S. Navy, the Mare Island Navy Yard, the California Min- 
ers' Association, and the Central Pacific Railroad Company's Stones on that day. 

(From a photograph taken by oue of the crew of the U. S. Ship "Alert," presented by Capt. James A. .'Vdams, 
U. S. N., Commanding.) 




HON. JACOB HART NEFF, 32°, 
Lieut. -Governor of the State of California. 
Past Junior Grand Warden of the Grand Lod^e of F. & A. M. of California. Pa.st Grand High Prie.'it of the Grand 
Chapter of R. A. M. of California. Past M. 111. Grand Master of the Grand Council of R. & S. M. of California. 
Past Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of California. Life Member of the Masonic 
Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast. Ex-President and Founder of the California Miners' Association. Active 
Member of the Sloat Monument Association. 




PRELIMINARY OPENING ADDRESS BY MAJOR EDWIN A. SHERMAN, 33°, V. M. W., 

Secretary of the Sloat Monument Association, and Chairman of the Committee of Design and Construction, July 4, 
1902. Vice-President of the Associated Veterans of the Mexican War. R. V. Grand Secretary of the Masonic Vet- 
eran Association of the Pacific Coast. Editor of "Fifty Years of Masonry in California,'" and other works. 

(From a photograph taken by one of the Crew of the U. S. Ship "Alert," and presented by Capt. James D. 
Adams, U. S. N., Commanding. 



Life of Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat 229 

I thank the Association for its courteous invitation, but regret that on account 
of the pressure of public business I shall be unable to accept. 

Very truly yours, Wilson Root. 

Major Edwin A. Sherman, 

Secretary Sloat Monument Association, 
877 Jackson street, 
Oakland, Cal. 

The following letter from the Secretary of the Navy was received 
afterwards, but is here inserted in its proper place in accordance with 
the dignity of his office: 

Navv Department, Washington, July 4, 1902. 
Dear Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the invitation to 
attend the ceremony on the occasion of the laying of the Naval stone at the base 
of the Sloat Monument at Monterey, California, to-day. I regret that it has not 
reached me soon enough to avail myself of your invitation to write a few words 
to you to be read at that time, and can only send mj' belated good wishes. 
I thank you for your kind congratulations. 

Yours very truly, William H. Moody. 

Edwin A. Sherman, Esq., 
Oakland, California. 

[Telegram from Admiral Dewey, U. S. N.] 

Washington, D. C, June 28, 1902. 
Ediviti A. Sherman, Sjj Jackson: Regret exceedingly .impossible attend 
Sloat Monnment ceremonies. Am delighted that memory of this gallant officer 
is to be thus perpetuated. George Dewey. 

[Letter from Admiral Merrill Miller, U. S. N.] 

Commandant's Office, 
United States Navy Yard, 
Mare Island, Cal., June 23, 1902. 
Major E. A. Sher->na7i, Secretary Sloat Monument Association — 

Dear Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 
22d inst,, conveying an invitation to be present at the laying of the Navy, Navy 
Yard stones and others on the 4th of July next. 

I regret that I will be unable to be present on that occasion. I am pleased to 
know that the U. S. S. "Alert" will be in the harbor of Monterey on that day, 
and that Capt. Adams and his crew will take part. 

Very respectfully, Merrill Miller, 

Rear Admiral, Comm'd't. 

[Letter from Governor Henry T. Gage of California.] 

Executive Department, 
State of California, Sacramento, 

State Capitol, June 18, 1902. 

Major Edwin A. Sherman, Secretary Sloat Rlonument Association, Syj Jackson 

Street, Oakland, Cal. — 

Dear Sir : I am directed by the Governor to express to you his regret that 

his official engagements are such that he will be prevented from accepting your 

very, courteous invitation to be present at the laying of the U. S. Navy and other 



230 Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat 

stones ia the base of the Sloat Monument at Monterey on July 4th next. 
Thanking you for your extreme courtesy, I have the honor of remaining 
Yours respectfully, W. H. Davis, 

Executive Secretary. 

[Letter from Hon. Edward M. Preston, Past Grand Master of Mason^ of Cali- 
fornia.] 

Nevada City, California, July i, 1902. 
Major Edwin A. Sherman, Secretary of the Sloat Monument dissociation, Mon- 
terey — 
My Dear Sir and Bro.: I am duly in receipt of your courteous invitalion 
of the 30th ult., asking me to join in the ceremonies of placing additional stones 
in the structure of the Sloat Monument, and beg to assure you that I should 
esteem it both an honor and a pleasure to be with you on that auspicious occa- 
sion. Having on the 7th day of July, A. D. 1896, been accorded the honor of 
laying the Corner-stone of that commemorative structure, my personal interests, 
as well as sentiments of patriotism, inspire in me an earnest desire for the early 
completion of the monument. 

It would be my happy privilege, were I permitted to be present, to join with 
other patriotic citizens there assembled, in expressing the debt of gratitude which 
we all feel for your deserved success in originating and encouraging this scheme 
for honoring the memory of the American citizen who first planted the American 
Flag on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. 

I sincerely regret that my engagements are such that I cannot be with you in 
person on that date; yet I assure you that I will be there in sentiment, and best 
wishes for your success. 

Fraternally yours, E. M. PrestON, P. G. M. 

[Extract from a letter from Hon. Wm. M. Boggs, V, M. W. and First Vice- 
President (who is in mourning for the loss of his wife by death and with whom 
he had lived happily for over fifty-five years).] 

Lea Farm, Near Highland Springs, 

Lake County, Cal., June 29, 1902. 
Major E. A, Sherman — 

My Dear Old Friend: Your letter of the 21st inst., addressed to me at 
Bakersfield, was re-mailed by my son and did not reach me until to-day, and I 
hasten to reply to your kind and sympathetic letter. 

I note all you say concerning the laying of four more stones in the base of 
the monument on July 4th, and what you say of the amount of concrete founda- 
tion for the walls, and the general progress of the work under your management. 
For it seems to me, that without you, nothing could be accomplished towards the 
completion of this monument, and I sincerely hope Ihat you will receive all the 
honors for your patriotic labor in so noble a cause. 

I regret my inability to render the assistance you ought to have from me at 
this time. I again thank you for your kind and consoling words of sympathy, 
for my heart aches yet, and it will take some time for me to become reconciled to 
such a loss. 

I would be delighted to join you at Monterey and participate in that noble 
work, for which I accord to you the greatest honor for all you are doing. May 
God bless you and sustain you for many years to come is the wish of your old 
friend and Comrade. 

Sincerely and truly yours, W. M. BoGGS. 



Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat 231 

INTRODUCTION OF HON. JACOB HART NEFF 
(Lieutenaut Governor of the State of California), 

By Col. Joseph Stewart, U. S. A., President of the Day. 

Lieutenant-Governor Jacob H. Neff : The Veterans of the Mexican War and 
the. Sloat Monument Association extend to you a most cordial and heartfelt wel- 
come on this joyful and auspicious occasion; and we invite you to take charge of 
the ceremonies of the laying of these stones, representing the U. S. Navy, the 
employees of Mare Island Navy Yard, the California Miners' Association and the 
Central Pacific Railroad Company, furnished by them, and to be laid on this, the 
126th anniversary of our country's natal day of American independence. 

The Masonic Fraternity, of which Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat was an 
honored member and received its last honors, by the Grand Lodge of Free and 
Accepted Masons of the State of California, at the request of the Sloat Monument 
Association, laid the Corner-stone of this monument on July 7, 1896, on the 
fiftieth anniversary of his raising the American flag on yonder staff, when by that 
act he took possession of California and added an empire in territory and wealth 
to our country's vast domain. 

The various Lodges of Masons of several Counties have sent tbeir working 
tools to be used on this occasion, while the emblems provided of Corn, Wine and 
Oil are the products of California's generous soil, and the salt, from the vast Pa- 
cific Ocean which washes its seven hundred miles of shore, is Neptune's tribute 
and offering of Peace. 

Major Edwin A. Sherman, Chief of Design and Construction, will place in 
your hands the gavel of authority, made from a timber of the flagship "Niagara," 
with which Commodore Perry won his victory at the battle on Lake Erie nearly 
ninety years ago; and as every stone laid in this monument has been duly laid 
and consecrated with Masonic ceremonies and honors, we now invite you and 
your officers to continue the same. 

[Col. Stewart, who is four-score years of age, though as active as if 
he was twenty-five years younger, was heartily applauded.] 

LIEUT.-GOVERNOR JACOB H. NEFF'S RESPONSE. 

Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen, Officers of the Army and Navy, Vet- 
erans of the Mexican War, Sloat Monument Association, Pioneers, Fellow- Citi- 
zens, and Brethren All: I desire to return to you my most sincere thanks for 
the proud and distinguished honor you have conferred upon me, to preside over 
and conduct the ceremonies of the laying of these stones upon this glorious oc- 
casion. Though feeble in health, yet fully appreciating the arduous and zealous 
efforts of Major Sherman and others to erect this monumenc to the memory of 
the gallant Commodore Sloat, his officers and men, to whom we are all indebted 
for our loved California, which we are proud to call our home, I came to give my 
feeble aid, at least with my presence, to attest my appreciation of the gallant, 
patriotic and heroic valor and character of Commodore John Drake Sloat, and 
encourage the work, of erecting this monument to his memory. 

As my health will not permit me to make any extended remarks, with your 
consent I will now appoint the Hon. Edward C. Voorheis, Senator from Amador 
County and President of the California Miners' Association, to take immediate 
charge of the work when ready to be commenced. 

[Lieutenant-Governor Neff was heartil}^ applauded.] 



232 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

The Hon. Edward C. Voorheis then gracefully accepted the charge 
of performing the duties of both, which had been assigned to them as 
follows: 

ORDER OF CEREMONIES, 

Under the Direction of the Hon. Jacob H. Neff, Lieuten- 
ant-Governor OF the State of Californa, 
AS Chief Grand Inspector. 

Chief of Design and Construction, Major Edwin A. Sherman, 33°: 

Brother Receiver and Custodian — Have the Craftsmen duly quarried, carefully 
prepared, delivered the stones, and have them in place, to crown the Northeast 
Corner of the base of the Sloat Monument as the continuation of the work, placed 
in our hands by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons 
of the State of California, when it laid ihe Chief Corner-stone ? 

Receiver and Custodian, W. Thomas G. Lambert, P. M. : 

Brother Chief of Design and Construction— I have received these stones which 
are here presented for inspection, and the Craftsmen await your decision and 
ordets. 

Chief of Design and Construction, Major Edwin A. Sherman, 33°: 

Right Worshipful Brother, Jacob Hart Neff, Lieutenant-Governor of the State 
of California — By order of Col. Joseph Stewart, U. S. A. (retired), our venerable 
President of the Sloat Monument Association (who is the second oldest living 
graduate of the U. vS. Military Academy at West Point, and also the President of 
Associated Veterans of the Mexican War), we welcome you here on this auspi- 
cious occasion. 

When M. W. Bro. Edward Myers Preston, Grand Master of Masons of Cali- 
fornia, laid this Chief Corner-stone, on July 7, 1896, and placed in our hands the 
several working tools of the Craft, he gave us his blessing and encouragement to 
continue and complete this noble and patriotic work. 

To renew our labors in this cherished design, we most fraternally request that 
you, in like manner, with your respective Officers, shall carefully examine and 
inspect these stones, and if found worthy by you, that you will lay them in their 
designated places, and thus continue the work as directed by the M. W. Grand 
Master. 

Chief Grand Inspector, R. W. Jacob Hart Neff, P. J. G. W.: 

Brother Chief of Design and Construction— On behalf of the Officers and Men 
of the U. S. Navy, of the California Miners' Association, of the Employees of 
the Mare Island Navy Yard, of the Central Pacific Railroad Company, and at the 
request of the Sloat Monument Association of California, I fraternally accept the 
charge, and, with the assistance of my Officers, will inspect and lay these stones 
so patriotically contributed and furnished by them. 

[He then addressed the assemblage with such remarks as he deemed proper 
and then continued.] 

Brethren, in accordance with the teachings of our beloved Institution, it isoui 
duty, before entering upon any undertaking, to invoke the blessing of God. We 
will, therefore, unite with our Grand Chaplam in addressing the Throne of Grace. 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 233 

Prayer by the Grand Chaplain, Rev. Bro. A. A. McAlister, U. S. N. 

Chief Grand Inspector, R. W. Jacob H. Neff : 

Brother Grand Master of Ceremonies — You will please see that the Officers 
are in their proper places, and are duly supplied with the proper working tools of 
their respective stations. 

Grand Master of Ceremonies, M. W. William A. Davies, 33°, P. 
G. M.: 

[He conducted them to their stations in front, where their work was to be 
performed. W. Thomas G. Lambert, P. M. Henry A. Olmsted, W. M. Bros. Lieut. 
Guy M. Brown and Asst. Paymaster Frederick K. Perkins, U. S. Navy, in front of 
the U. S. Navy stone. 

W. Edward C. Voorheis, P. M. Edward H. Benjamin and Harold T. Power to 
the front of the California Miners' Association's stone. 

W.John R. Patrick, P. M. David S. Little and Jacob W. Bagby to the front of 
the Mare Island Navy Yard stone. 

W. George T. Bromley, P. M.; W. Samuel W. Boring, P. M.; Edwin A. Sher- 
man, 33°, and Bro. Jonathan Wright (one of Fremont's men) to the front of the 
Central Pacific Railroad Company's stone. 

The Grand Master of Ceremonies, when all were placed, gave to the first of 
each four his Trowel, then the Squares, Levels and Plumbs in their regular order. 

This being done, he reported as follows ] 

R, W. Chief Grand Inspector, the Officers are in their respective stations, are 
dul}' supplied with their working tools and await your orders. 

Acting Chief Grand Inspector, W. Edward C. Voorheis: 

My Brethren, First Sub-Inspectors— The Trowel, as you have been repeatedly- 
taught, is an instrument made use of by Operative IVasons to spread the cement 
which unites the building into one common mass; but we also, as Free and Ac- 
cepted Masons, are taught to make use of it for the more noble and glorious pur- 
pose of spreading the cement of brotherly love and affection,— that cement which 
unites us into one sacred band, or society of friends and brothers, among whom 
no contention should ever exist, but that noble contention, or rather emulation, 
of who can best work and best agree. 

In that spirit, you will now spread the cement that shall unite these stones in 
the base of this monument being erected to the memory of him who was our 
Brother, the true patriot, the unshrinking, gallant hero to whom the Nation is 
indebted, and we more especially as Citizens of this Golden State, Rear-Admiral 
John Drake Sloat, who more than half a century ago gave us California. [W« 
Thomas G. Lambert, of Monterey Lodge, No. 217, using the Trowel of Naval 
Lodge, No. 87.] 

[Those with the Trowels, leading, then applied the cement and pointed the 
edges. The first Ode was then sung, during which Capt. J. D. Adams mounted 
the East front wall of the base of the monument and gave the signal to the U. S. 
Ship of- War '"Alert," which promptly fired a Commodore's salute of eleven guns.] 



234 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

FIRST ODE. 
(Tune, Pleyel's Hymn ) 
Place we now our Country's Stones, 
True and tried each Freeman owns; 
Let us bring with hearts sincere 
Hands to help and voice to cheer. 

Proved by the Grand Master's hand, 
Long may this foundation stand! 
May its superstructure rise 
In grace and beauty 'neath the skies. 

Let us join in songs of praise, 
That this monument we raise, 
And ages hence, men bless the day 
Our flag was raised at Monterey. 

Acting Chief Grand Inspector, W. Edward C. Voorheis: 

Brothers Second Sub-Inspectors — The Squares are the Working Tools of your 
offices. You will apply the .'SQUARES to those portions of the stones which should 
be squared. 

[They did so and responded as follows.] 

Second Sub-Inspectors. W. Henry A. Olmsted, P. M., of Monterey 
Lodge, No. 217, F. & A. M.: 

R. W. Brother Chief Grand Inspector — I have obeyed your order, and find that, 
in that respect, the Craftsmen, upon the LT. S. Navy stone, have done their duty. 
[He used the Square of Solano Lodge, No. 229, of Vallejo.] 

[W. Bro. Edward C. Voorheis, P. M., of Henry Clay Lodge, No. 95, replied 
the same as to the California Miners' Association stone; Bro. Jacob Ragby, of 
Monterev Lodge, No. 217, the same as to the Mare Island Navy Yard stone, and 
W. Bro. Samuel W. Boring, P. M., of San Jose Lodge, No. 10, the same as to the 
C. P. R. R. Co.'s stone.] 

Acting Chief Grand Inspector, W. Edward C. Voorheis: 

Brothers Third Sub-Inspectors — The Levels are the Working Tools of your 
offices. You will now apply the Levels to the stones under your inspection. 
[They did so and reported as follows.] 

Third Sub-Inspectors. Bro. Lieut. Guy M. Brown, U. S. N.: 

R. W. Chief Grand Inspector — I have obeyed your order, and find that the U. 
S. Navy stone has been well leveled by the Craftsmen. 

[Bro. Edwaid Benjamin repeated the same for the Miners' stone, W. M. 
Henry A. Olmsted, of Monterey Lodge, No. 217, repeated the same for the Mare 
Island Navy Yard stone, and Bro. Edwin A. Sherman, 33°, for the C. P. R. R. 
Co.'s stone.] 

Acting Chief Grand Inspector, W. Edward C. Voorheis: 

Brothers Fourth Sub-Inspectors — Your Working Tools are the Plumbs. You 
will apply the Plumbs to the Stones, then, and see if they have been properly 
adjusted. 

[They did so and reported as follows] 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 235, 

Fourth Sub-Inspectors. Bro. Fred K. Perkins, Paymaster U. S. N.,. 
of Live Oak Lodge, No. 67, F. & A. M.: 

R. W. Brother Chief Grand Inspector — I have obeyed your order, and find that 
the U. S. Navy stone has been well plumbed, and that the work of the Crafts-nieii 
in that respect has been skillfully performed. 

[Bro. Harold T. Power, of Rising Star Lodge, No. S3, of Forest Hill, repeated 
the same as to the Miners' stone; Bro. Jacob W. Bagby, of Monterey Lodge, No. 
217, repeated the same for the Mare Island Navy Yard stone; Bro. Jonathan' 
Wright (one of Fremont's men) and of Monterey Lodge, No. 217, repeated tlie 
same for the Mare Island Navy Yard and C. P. R. R. Co 's stone.] 

g(jif Acting Chief Grand Inspector, W. Edward C. Voorheis, then, 
approached the U. S. Navy stone and the others in succession, and 
gave each three blows with the Gavel, saying: 

The Craftsmen having faithfully and skillfully performed their duty, I declare 
these stones to be well formed, true and trusty, and worthy of their places in the 
base of the Sloat Monument. May the structure which is to rest upon it be a 
constant reminder of the gratitude that the whole people of the United States,, 
and especially of the State of California, owe to the gallant defenders of the Na- 
tional Honor, of the Flag of our Country, who, by their patriotism and valor, 
acquired our beloved Golden State, the Empress of the Pacific and the Realm of 
the Free. 

Corn, Wine, Oil and Salt. 

[The vessels of Corn, Wine, Oil and Salt v:ere then distributed, and the Sub- 
Inspectors in turn poured them on the stones and said as followo.] 

First Sub-In.spectors. W. Thomas G. Lambert, P. M.: 

As in the days of old, when He visited the e^rth and watered it and greatly 
enriched it with the river of God, which was full of water, and prepared Corn for 
.His people which He had so provided; when He watered the ridges thereof abun- 
dantly, settled the furrows thereof, and made it soft with showers and blessed the 
springing thereof; when the pastures were clothed with flocks, and the valleys 
were also covered with Corn, and when His people shouted for joy, so may the 
Grand Architect of the Universe ever bless this fair land with Plenty, Prosperity 
and Peace. 

[He then poured the Corn on the U. S. Navy stone and handed the vessel to 
W. Bro. Edward C. Voorheis, John R. Patrick and George T. Bromley in suc- 
cession, who poured the remainder of the Corn on the other three stones in their 
order.] 

Second Sub-Inspectors. W. Bro Henry A. Olmsted, W. M.: 

Mav the Great Giver of all good enable the Craftsmen in due time to com- 
plete this beautiful and the first National Monument to be erected on the Pacific 
Coast and crown their efforts with glory and success. 

[He then poured the Wine on the U. S. Navy stone and passed the vessel to 
W. Samuel Boring, P. M., Bros. Jacob W. Bagby and Jonathan Wright in suc- 
cession, who poured the remainder of the Wine on the other three stones in their- 
order.] 



236 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

Third Sub-Inspectors, Bro. Lieut. Guy M. Brown, U. S. N.: 

May the Olive Trees of Peace forever flourish in this goodly land b^' the Great 
Western Sea, and bring forth fruit in plenty, giving gladness unto all the People 
thereof. May the blessing of Heaven descend upon this and all good works; and 
may our beloved Fraternity long exist to pour forth the Oil of Joy upon the 
hearts of the widowed, the fatherless and the distressed. 

[He then poured the Oil upon the U. S. Navy stone, and handed the vessel to 
the same Brethren and Edwin A. Sherman, who in succession poured the re- 
mainder of the Oil upon the other three stones in their order.] 

Fourth Sub-Inspectors. Bro. Fred K. Perkins, Paymaster U. S. N.: 

"Thou shalt offer for the meat offering of thy first fruits, green ears of corn 
■dried by the fire, even corn beaten out of full ears, and thou shalt put oil upon it 
and lay frankincense thereon. And every oblation of thy meat offering shalt 
thou season with salt; neither shalt thou suffer the salt of the covenant of thy 
God to be lacking from thy meat offering; with all thine offerings thou shalt offer 
Salt:' 

I He poured the Salt upon the U. S. Navy stone, and then handed the vessel to 
Bros. James W. Bagby, David S. Little and Jonathan Wright, who poured the 
remainder on the other three stones in their order.] 

Acting Chief Grand Inspector, W. Edward C. Voorheis : 

May the All-Bounteous Author of Creation, lend aid to those who have con- 
ceived and thus far carried on this goodly, noble and patriotic enterprise; may 
He protect the workmen employed upon this Monument from every accident, 
and long preserve it for the patriotic use which it is destined to subserve, and 
may He grant to us all an ever bountiful supply of the Corn of Nourishment, the 
Wine of Refreshment, the Oil of Joy, and may the Salt of our Covenant never be 
lacking. 

Brother Chief of Design and Construction — Relying upon your skill in our 
noble art, and that the continuation of this work committed to your hands (and 
Ihose of your fellow Craftsmen) by the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons 
of California, when he had laid this Chief Corner-stone, will be faithfull}' per- 
formed, I trust that this undertaking will be speedily accomplished. May there 
be no envy, discord or confusion among the workmen, and may you perform the 
duties which you have voluntarily assumed, not only to the satisfaction of the 
People and the Government who look to you for their fulfillment, but in such 
manner as shall secure the approbation of your own conscience, gratify your own 
heart and redound to the honor of our Ancient Craft. 

The second Ode was then sung. 

SECOND ODE. 

(Tune, Old Hundred.) 

Great God of Nations, now to Thee 

Our Hymn of Gratitude we raise; 
With humble heart and bending knee 

We offer Thee our song of praise. 

Here Freedom spreads her banner wide 
And casts her soft and hallowed ray; 



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Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat 237 

Here thou our fathers' steps did guide. 
In safety through their dangerous way. 

From o'er the seas with hearts aflame 

They bore our Banner of the Stars; 
And here they placed it when they came 

To float in peace or wave in wars. 

We praise Thee, that Thine Ozvn Great Light 

Through all our land its raaiance sheds, 
Dispels the shades of Erior's night, 

And heavenly blessings round us sheds. 

A public vote of thanks to Capt. J. D. Adams, to his officers and 
men of the U. S. Ship "Alert" for their valuable patriotic services on 
this occasion, was unanimously given. 

The Hon. George T. Bromley (ex-Consul-General to Tien Tsin, 
China, the first Railroad Conductor in California, and at Sacramento in 
1855, on the Sacramento Valley Railroad from Sacramento to Folsom) 
was then introduced, and delivered the following humorous and char- 
acteristic address, which was received with the heartiest applause from 
all present: 

SPEECH OE HON. GEORGE T. BROMLEY. 
Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen : When Major Sherman invited me to 
be present and take part in the ceremonies of the day, I was at a loss as to what 
could be his object, for I was not a veteran of any war, nor could I talk of battles 
fought and won in which I have been a participant. But he gave me to under- 
stand that as a veteran railroad man I would be expected to assist in placing in 
this monument the block of granite that was presented by the Central Pacific 
Railroad Company, an honor that I most thoroughly appreciate; and I want to 
say that this day marks an epoch in my four-score years of life that will stand out 
in bold relief until shall come to me the one hundredth anniversary of my well- 
spent life, which has been brim full of enjoyment and of honor conferred, but 
the honor' of to-day is one that will be remembered by me until life's sun shall 
set and time with me shall be no more. 

The ceremonies of to-day have for me an interest far above and beyond most 
of those who are here to assist in doing honor to the memory of Commodore 
Sloat, for I knew him in his early manhood in my far-away New England home, 
when his son, Warrington Sloat, and myself were schoolmates; and could we 
have foreseen that in three-quarters of a century from those schoolboy days I 
would have been honored by participating in the raising of a monument that 
would perpetuate the heroic deeds of his honored father for all time to come, we 
would have loved each other with a love that knew no variation or shadow of 

turning. 

My railroad career, which is the head and front of my being with you to-day, 
and which our patriotic and energetic Major Sherman would have me speak about 
in order to show that I know my lesson, was inaugurated in 1855, when, in charge 
of the construction train, I assisted in building the first railroad operated on the 
west side of the North American continent, and you can bet it was a wonderful 



:238 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

railroad; and of all those who took part in its building, with the exception of 
Major Sherman, who assisted in the surveying of it, I am the only survivor. 

(t was twenty-two miles in length and connected Sacramento with Folsom. 
For nine years I was conductor of the passenger train, outranking the stage 
driver, who, up to the time of the advent of the conductor, was a power among 
the women and children of that part of the country. My experience on the 
twenty-two miles of road would fill a volume of thrilling interest. 

Many of the passengers of those days, who deprived themselves of the neces- 
saries of life to obtain transportation to the Comstock Lode in Nevada, returned 
as millionaires and became very respectable citizens. 

And standing here on this historic spot, where Nature has showered upon us 
her most generous gifts, the most beautiful climate, the most beautiful trees and 
the most beautiful women in the world, I feel like Ulysses returning to Penelope 
and bringing to her the Golden Fleece, for he said to her, "I bring to thee the 
thread which binds the West to the East, and I make friends of two countries 
unknown to each other, and may I make love the bond between two peoples, the 
old and the new." 

But, ladies and gentlemen, having said enough to convince you that no mis- 
take was made in selecting me for putting in place the memorial stone donated 
by the Central Pacific Railroad Company, and thanking you for the kind atten- 
tion you have given me, I will now give way for the applause. 

The applause was most heartily and merril}- given. 

Gen. Thomas E. Ketcham, of Stockton, was then introduced, and 
was equally welcomed and received with the plaudits of the large as- 
semblage of people, and .spoke as follows: 

SPEECH OF GEN. THOMAS E. KETCHAM. 

On September iS, 1847, I, as Lieutenant of First New York Volunteers (J. U, 
Stevenson's Regiment), sailed' from New York harbor, in command of one hun- 
dred recruits for Stevenson's Regiment on board the United States transport 
"Sweden," to report at Monterey, California, to Colonel Mason, Commissary De- 
partment, in pursuance of orders received from Gen. Bankead, Superintendent 
of Volunteer Recruiting Service at New York City, arriving at Monterey Feb- 
ruary 22, 1S4S. My command arrived at Monterey in a good state of discipline. 
I lost two men by disease on the voyage — one by chronic diarrhoea and the other 
by general debility, which, considering that no medical officer was sent with the 
detachment, made me thankful that it was no worse. 

A few days after my arrival at Monterey, I was ordered by Col. Mason to take 
command of the first detachment of recruits (relieving First Lieutenant Thomas 
I. Roach), with seventeen picked men of my old command, and to embark on 
the bark "Isabella," Capt. Briggs, and sail for La Paz, Lower California, and 
there report to Lieut. -Col. H. S. Burton in command. The order was afterward 
modified by also sendiug Company D, Capt. H. M. Naglee, to reinforce Col. Bur- 
ton, two days after disembarking at La Paz Col. Burton marched in search of 
the enemy and found them near the Mission of Todos Santos, and defeated them 
afier a short conflict. I was in command of the rear guard on the march of that 
day, and at the battle was posted on the flank of the Mexicans, and finally by 
order of Col. Burton charged upon them, but they did not wait for us. The re- 
sult of that battle was, that, the armed. enemy was driven out of the country. 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 239 

We remaiued at La Paz until the 2d of September, 184S, when the troops 
evacuated Lower California, Company D, Lieut. Pendleton, Company B, under 
me, embarking on the ship of the Ohio Line and lauding at Monterej', where the 
troops were mustered out of the service of the United States, October 22, 1S4S. 

Lieut. George A. Pendleton, James B. Morehead, Young and myself, with Ser- 
geant Beasley and Herman Ehreuberg, formed a company and bought six yoke of 
Spanish cattle with carts, and loaded them up with six months' rations, which the 
Government furnished us at the cost price, and left Monterey for the mines on 
November 5th, arriving at Woods' Crossing (December 11, 1848), Tuolumne 
County. Lieut. Pendleton and myself mined that winter at what is now James- 
town. In 1849 Pendleton and I walked to Stockton with the intention of buying 
teams to haul up goods to the mines and establish a store. When we arrived at 
Stockton, we found that we could not buy teams, but we had an opportunity to 
buy brogan sho^s at $12.00 pttr pair, so we bought as many pairs as we could 
carry in knapsacks on our backs, took them up to our camp and sold them all in 
two hours' time at the rate of $32.00 per pair. I sold out to my partn;r in 1853, 
and then resided upon my farm near Stockton. September 16, 1861, I com- 
menced recruiting a company at Stockton for Conner's Regiment, Third Infantry, 
California Volunteers. October 20th I left Stockton with my company under 
orders to proceed to San Francisco and there embark on the steamer "Columbia" 
for Fort Humboldt, Humboldt County, anJ relieve Major Charles S. Lovell, of 
the Fifth Regular Infantry, of the command at Fort Humboldt and Fort Seward. 
My Company A, Third Infantry, California Volunteers, until August 27, 1862, was 
in Humboldt County, but left there at that time under orders to join my regiment 
at Salt Lake. While in Humboldt County my company killed and cap.ured six 
hundred and fifty Indians. The citizens of Humboldt County presented my com- 
pany with a flag suitably inscribed in recognition of services rendered to the 
county. After the expiration of my term of service, I returned to my farm and 
attended to its cultivation since that time. 

His account of his earh^ military and mining experiences in Cali- 
fornia was highly entertaining and well received by the assemblage 
present. 

The following were elected Active and Honorary Members of the 
Sloat Monument Association, viz. : 

Active Members — Hon. Jacob H. Neff, Lieut. -Governor; Hon. Ed- 
ward C. Voorheis, State Senator; Gen. William A. Davies; Hon. 
George T. Bromley; Capt. James D. Adams, U. S. N.; Lieut.-Com- 
mander John B. Bhsh, U. S. N. ; Lieut. Guy W. Brown, U. S. N. ; 
Lieut. Clarence M. Stone, U. S. N. ; Assistant Surgeon Samuel S. Rod- 
man, U. S. N.; Passed Assistant Paj-master Frederick K. Perkins, U. 
S. N.; Edward Benjamin, Harold T. Power, Charles Warren and 
William Gee, Jr., and C. W. Carruth and Daniel P. Adamson, of Oak- 
land. 

Honorary Members — Ensigns of the U. S. Navy Daniel S. Ma- 
honey, Orrin G. Murfin, Luther M. Overstreet, George C. Sweet and 
James B. Gilmer, and Scott, of Monterey. 

All the brethren then, under the direction of the Grand Master of 



240 Life of Rear-Admirai. John Drake Sloat 

Ceremonies, clasped hands around the base of the Monument, and with 
the audience present united in singing "America." 

AMERICA. 

My Country, 'tis of Thee, 
Sweet Land of Liberty. 

Of Thee I sing. 
Land where ray fathers died, 
Land of the Pilgrim's pride, 
From every mountain side 

Let Freedom ring. 

My Native Country, Thee, 
Land of the noble free, 

Thy name I love: 
I love thy rocks and rills. 
Thy woods and templed hills; 
My heart with rapture thrills 

Like that above. 

Let music swell the breeze 
And ring from all the trees, 

Sweet Freedom's song. 
Let mortal tongues awake, 
Let all that breathes partake. 
Let rocks their silence break. 

The sound prolong. 

Our fathers' God, to Thee, 
Author of Liberty, 

To Thee we sing. 
Long may our Land be bright 
With Freedom's Holy Light; 
Protect us by Thy might, 

Great God our King. 

Benediction by Rev. A. A. McAlister, Chaplain, U. S. N. 
Proclamation by M. W. William A. Davies, P. G. M., Grand Mas- 
ter of Ceremonies: 

In the name of the Sloat Monument Association and by the concurrent orders 
of its Honorable President and the Chief Grand Inspector, I declare these stones 
to be duly laid and the ceremonies of this day to be duly closed. God save the 
United States of America and the State of California! So mote it be! 

The delighted assemblage then dispersed, the Naval Battalion re- 
turned to the "Alert," which at 12 m. fired a National salute of twenty- 
one guns, which closed our Celebration of the Day, Capt. Adams tak- 
ing his flag with him. He gave shore leave to one-half of his men for 
the afternoon, and the next day the other half of his men were to enjoy 
the same privilege. 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 241 

We accepted the invitation of Mrs. Emil}' Fish and the other ladies 
of her Reception Committee to visit the Monterey PubHc Librar}-, and 
were most cordiallj'- and gracefull}^ received, for which we returned in 
person our sincere thanks. This Public Library is chiefly- supported 
and maintained by these ardent and public-spirited ladies, who deserve 
every encouragement and aid. 

We were invited by Mrs. M. M. Gragg to take a seat in her carriage 
and accompany her to her elegant home, where we met her husband 
and the rest of her family, and were most hospitably entertained, and 
partook of an excellent lunch ; after which we returned with her to the 
Public Library, and thanked her for the kind attentions we had re- 
ceived at her hands 

While a guest at her house, she expressed herself as not having 
been fully informed as to the true situation of affairs, neither was her 
brother, Mr. Sargent; but gave us their pledged assurance, that what- 
ever assistance the}- could render the Sloat Monument A.ssociation here- 
after, that it should receive their cordial support, for which we returned 
our grateful acknowledgments. 

THE LOCAL SUPERVISORY COMMITTEE AT MONTEREY 
AND THE WORK ALREADY DONE. 

On Friday, August 16, 1901, the following were appointed as the 
Local Supervisorv Committee at Monterey to arrange for the reception 
and proper care of the stones provided by the several Counties and 
organizations furnishing the same; to make all contracts subject to the 
approval of the Executive Committee as directed, and to inspect and 
measure the work performed, viz.: 

Capt. Thomas G. Lambert, Receiver and Chairman; Jacob W. 
Bagby, Henry A. Olmsted, Jonathan Wright, John R. Patrick, C. B. 
Rosendale, Francis Doud, Mrs. T. G. Lambert, Mrs. E. A. Fish and 
Miss Frances B Orton. 

A more capable and honorable Committee of gentlemen and ladies 
of the strictest honesty and sterling integrity was never formed an}'- 
where. They have most scrupulously and cheerfully, and without fee 
•or reward, performed the duties assigned to them 

Since that date up to and including that of July 4, 1902, there have 
been no less than 2,584 cubic feet of concrete foundation laid, besides 
the following nineteen stones in addition to the Corner-stone, which was 
laid on July 7, 1896, viz.: Alameda, Santa Clara, Contra Costa, Santa 
Cruz, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Veterans of the Mexican War, Grand 
Parlor of the Native Sons, San Joaquin, Placer, San Francisco, Sacra- 
rr.ento, Solano, Napa, Grand Parlor of Native Daughters, U. S. Nav)^, 
Mare Island Navy Yard, California Miners's Association and the Cen- 



242 Life of Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat 

tral Pacific Railroad Company's stones. Besides these there are on the 
ground ready to be laid, when the funds are provided, the stones of 
Butte, Plumas, Ventura and Sonoma Counties. 

The expenditures for labor and material alone on the work done 
and paid for, is not less than $1,060.00, and all of the work 
done to the present date paid for, besides other incidental expenses 
allowed, of which the City of Monterey directly or indirectly has re- 
ceived the benefit through the channels of trade. With the stones laid 
and those now on the ground, the cash value is $2,500.00, and the whole 
at the present time $3,560.00. 

In addition to this, Madera County has a stone in her quarries 
ready to be shipped, and far-off Mono County, the other side of the 
Sierra Nevada in the southeast portion of the State, will send a stone 
of travertine, almost as clear and translucent as alabaster, which will 
be equal in beauty to that of Solano County's onyx stone. It is hoped 
and expected that the other Counties will quickly come forward and 
furnish their stones with the required appropriations. 

There are 10,140 more cubic feet of concrete foundation to lay, 2,844 
feet in the core to the level of the top of the walls, and 7,296 feet at and 
in front of the base protecting the foundation and covering the entire 
space of fifty feet square, granted by the War Department, and located 
by the U. S. Engineers, who will inspect and report upon the same 
when completed. 

The base of this monument will be one solid rock when done, and 
in case of a foreign war be serviceable upon which to mount two or 
more breech-loading cannon of the largest caliber, sweeping all approach 
to the harbor by an enemy; the faces of the base of the monument being 
protected by sand-bags and earth; the statue and pedestal to be tem- 
porarily removed if necessary. 

There is a symbolic meaning to everything connected with this Sloat 
Monument. 

First The site is just fifty feet square, to mark the Golden Jubilee, 
or the fiftieth anniversary of Commodore Sloat' s hoisting the American 
flag and taking possession of California at Monterey on July 7, i8-|6, 
and the laying of the Corner-stone on July 7, 1896, by the Grand 
IvOdge of Masons of California. 

Second. The base is just twenty-four feet square, to represent the 
twenty-four hours of the day. The stones are four feet in length, to rep- 
resent the length of a sailor's watch of four hours when on duty; and two 
*, feet wide and two feet in thickness, representing the "dog watch" of two 
hours each, when the watches on shipboard are changed. There are 
three courses of stones, as Commodore Sloat was a Master Mason of the 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 243 

Third Degree, and the face wall being six feet in height, which is the 
full height of a man. 

IViird. The pedestal will be thirteen feet in height, standing upon 
an upper base of one foot, the number thirteen representing the number 
of stripes in the American flag and the original number of States in the 
Union. On the sides of the pedestal are to be placed the bronze me- 
dallions of Dr. Wm. Maxwell Wood, his Fleet Surgeon; Commodore 
Stockton, Capt. John C. Fremont, and a view of the raising of the 
American flag upon the Custom House. 

Fourth. The height of the bronze statue of Commodore Sloat is to 
be eleven feet, and he represented as standing by a capstan on the quar- 
terdeck of his flagship "Savannah," and pointing to the staff where the 
flag is to be raised, eleven guns being a Commodore's salute. 

The whole height from the foundation of the monument to the top 
of the statue is to be just thirty-one feet, CaHfornia being the- thirty- 
first State in the Union, and upon her admission on the 9th of Septem- 
ber, 1850, she just reversed the figures 13 of the original number of 
States. 

Upon the base of the monument are to be mounted four guns of the 
old ship "Independence," which once formed a part of the I'acific 
Squadron under Commodores Sloat and Stockton, which are now at 
Mare Island Navy Yard, reserved and marked subject to our order. 

Such is the description of the Sloat Monument when completed, 
which, it is hoped, will be very soon, and the fault will be with the 
people of the other Counties of California if it is not. 

As from the very inception of the work, the Sloat Monument A>^so- 
ciation found itself confronted by the open as well as secret hostile op- 
position of the Bancroft, Davis, Hittell and Willey falsifiers of history, 
which had to be met and overcome by the solid truth, it was therefore 
deemed necessary to publish the "Life of the Late Rear- Admiral John 
Drake Sloat," a work which had never been attempted before. The 
Navy Department at Washington, the Masonic Fraternity in New York, 
and the relatives of the gallant Sloat, gave their fullest aid and sup- 
port, while our faithful CJ. S. Senator, Hon. George C. Perkins, Past 
Grand Master of Masons of California, nobly championed the cause of 
the dead Admiral, defending his'good name, and for the third time%\xz- 
ceeded in having the U. S. Senate pass a bill appropriating the sum of 
ten thousand dollars for the superstructure to be erected on the base of 
the monument. 

This biography and history is now about to be issued to subscrib- 
ers, and the Hoards of Supervisors who have furnished the stones and 
made appropriations for the monument, thus receiving some return for 
their patriotic liberality and performance of duty, which they owed to 



244 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

their Countrj-, their State, their Counties, and to the memory of the 
gallant Sloat, to whom all are indebted for the acquisition of California. 

We have performed the duty of Secretar_v of the Sloat Monument 
Association for the period of sixteen years without fee or reward, and 
expect to do so until the end. Capt. Thomas G. Lambert, the Receiver 
at Montere3^ our co-laborer in this patriotic enterprise, has also served 
that full length of time and voluntarily without pay. 

The Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast has given it 
the fullest moral support and indirectly been largeh' the means of en- 
couraging the furnishing of stones and making appropriations and 
securing of contributions for this noble and patriotic object. The other 
officers and members of the Sloat Monument Association having the full- 
est confidence in the ability and integrit}- of their Secretary who is also 
the Chairman of the Committee of De.sign and Construction, have 
placed their proxies in his hands when it is necessary to call a special 
meeting for any purpose, and their confidence is never betrayed. No 
contract is made unless the money is in bank or in sight, and no debt 
is allowed to be incurred without having the funds to meet it. 
, The monument being erected on the U. S. Military Reservation, the 

/ War Department only is consulted, and therefore there is no municipal 

control or local political influence to interfere with the progress of the 
work or convert it into a means to promote private and selfish ends. 
We are personally responsible to the U. S. Government, and to the 
Boards of Supervisors of the several Counties and organizations which 
furnish stones and contributions for the monument. We desire no quar- 
rel with an^'one, but are compelled perforce to resist and resent all in- 
terference with our plans and work by outsiders, who have never 
directh' or indirectl}^ been connected with the Sloat Monument Asso- 
ciation or contributed one cent towards the monument. The experi- 
ence of 1896 had taught us the lesson that, if onh' the sum of $150 co 
could be had out of $3,693.15, or only four per cent., for the monument 
(and that given out of the $1,629.00 sent down from San Francisco), in 
the laying the foundation for the Corner-stone, prudence dictated that 
a proper local Committee, chieflv composed of members of the Masonic 
Fraternity and of the .strictest honesty and integrity, should be ap- 
pointed to supervise the work, make the contracts, and attend to the 
local business of the Association; and they have done so faithfulh' and 
honorably to the entire satisfaction of the Sloat Monument Association 
and the Counties and organizations that have furnished stones and 
money. 

Monterey lies within the hollow of the elbow of a left arm, the shoul- 
der of which is the Del Monte Hotel and grounds. Pacific Grove the 
hand and Point Pinos the extended index finger. The Southern Pacific 




RUPERT eCHMID, SCULPTOR THE SLOAT MONUMENT photographed ,~ STUD,0 

In Front of Old Fort Mervine, U. S. Military Reservation, Monterey, California 

Design constructed by Rupert Schmid, Sculptor, under the immediate supervision and direction of Major 
Edwin A. Sherman, Chairman of the Committee on Design and Construction, and recommended to the Secre- 
tary of War for his approval. 

COMMITTEE OF DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION: Major Edwin A. Sherman, Oakland. Cal., Rev. A. 
A. McAlister, U. S. Navy.CAPT. Franklin J. Drake, U.S. Navy, Hon. Edward M. Preston, Nevada City, 
Cal., Hon. Joseph M. English, Vallejo, Cal., Miss Camille Johnston, Alameda, Cal. 

DESCRIPTION 
There is a symbolic meaning to everything connected with this Sloat Monument. 

First. The site is just fifty feet square, to mark the Golden Jubilee, or the fiftieth anniversary of Commodore 
Rloat's hoisting the American Flag and taking possession of California at Monterey on July 7, 1846, and the laying 
of the Corner-stone on July 7, iSg6, by the Grand Lodge of Masons of California. 

Second. The base is just twentj'-four feet square, to represent the twenty-four hours of the day. The stones 
are four feet in length, to represent the length of a sailor's watch of four hours when on duty; and two feet wide 
and two feet in thickness, representing the "dog watch" of two hours each, when the watches on shipboard are 
changed. There are three courses of stones, as Commodore Sloat was a Master Mason of the Third Degree, and 
the face wall being six feet in height, which is the full height of a man. 

Third. The p^edestal will be thirteen feet in height, standing upon an upper base of one foot, the number 
thirteen representing the number of stripes in the American Flag and the original number of States in the Union. 
On the sides of the pedestal are to be placed the bronze medallions of Dr. Wm. Maxwell Wood, his Fleet Surgeon; 
Commodore Stockton, Capt. John C. Fremont, and a view of the raising of the American Flag upon the Custora- 
House. 

Fourth. The height of the bronze statue ol Commodore Sloat is to be eleven feet, and he represented as stand- 
ing by a capstan on the quarterdeck of his flagship "Savannah," and pointing to the staff where the flag is to be 
raised, eleven guns being a Commodore's salute. 

The whole height from the foundation of the monument to the top of the statue is to be just thirty-one feet, 
California being the thirty-first State in the Union, and upon her admission on the gth of September, 1850, she just 
reversed the figures 13 of the original number of States. 

Upon the base of the monument are to be mounted four guns of the old ship "Independence ' which once 
formed a part of the Pacific Squadron under Commodores Sloat and Stockton, which are now at Mare Island Navy 
Yard, reserved and marked subject to our order. 




W. BRO. HON. GEO. C. PARDEE, P. M. 
Ot^Oakland Lodge No. i8S, F. and A. M., who laid the first County Stone, that of Alameda County, next to the 
Cornerstone oftheSloat Monument en the U. S. Militai3' Reservation at Monterey, Cal., on November 2, 1901. 
This was the first stone on the ground.) 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 245 

Railroad follows the shore line to Pacific .Grove, its terminus. The 
Hotel Del Monte and its grounds do not lie within the corporate limits 
of Monterey, while the U. S. Military Reservation bisects with a large 
plat of 140 acres, a portion of the area of the town, and leaving what 
is known as North Monterey- h'ing next to the municipality of Pacific 
Grove. Ex-Governor Baxter, of Wyoming, having built a private 
villa for a watering place lying in front of North Monterey, and not far 
from the pious retreat of Pacific Grove, it has been facetiously called by 
some as "Baxter's Saints' Rest." 

To a great extent, Monterey lingers in the lap of the first half of 
the last century, and the tourist who has ever visited Palestine might 
think he had come to ancient Tyre, as the water front of rocks and the 
old Custom House have become "a place where the fishermen spread 
their nets " and the municipal government of Montere\^ has not had 
the local pride and courage to protect its own water front. It has per- 
mitted, if not encouraged, the encroachment of foreign fishermen upon 
the U. S. Custom House Reservation, by the erection of houses and 
shanties, the occupation of the long porch of the sea front of the Cus- 
tom HousQ, and w^e are reliably informed that they now occupy the in- 
terior of the southern portion of that historic building. The staff or 
pole upon which the American flag has been so often raised, leans over 
at an angle of twent}'' degrees, and is only held in place in that condition 
by being lashed with a small rope, leaving it in partial suspension. It 
was not straightened up even for the 4th of July. The Mayor of the 
town has recently been appointed by the Governor of California as one 
of the Trustees to look after this Custom House, it having been leased 
to the State for a term of years by the U. S. Government, provided it 
would put it in a state of repair, and the Legislature of California has 
appropriated some four thousand dollars for that purpose. We are in- 
formed that the Mayor of the town is the son of an Englishman, who 
for many j-ears delayed taking out his naturalization papers, and who 
had married a native California Spanish lady. If this is true, then the 
sequel proves that from such stock no real spirit or manifestation of 
true American patriotism may be expected, as already evidenced on the 
recent 4th of July, when an American vessel of war was in the harbor, 
and its officers and men were to escort the Lieutenant-Governor and 
other State officers, with officers of the U. S Army and the Sloat Mon- 
ument Association and Veterans of the Mexican War, to the site of the 
Sloat Monument, where the U. S. Navy and other stones were to be 
laid, and to which the Mayor and City Council had been invited weeks 
before, but who manifested no interest or recognition whatever in it. 

The only newspaper in the town is published by a poorly naturalized 
English subject, and apparently the naturalization failed to take. Neither 



246 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

before or after the 4th of July in his issues of the Monterey Ahiv Era 
did he make any mention of the distinguished visitors, or of the laying 
of the stones, or of the firing of the National and Commodore's salutes 
by the Sloop-of-War "Alert" in the harbor on Independence Day. 
Naturally, it would be thought it would have been mentioned as a mat- 
ter of news; but no Englishman likes to hear read the Declaration of 
American Independence, and a half naturalized Englishman turns 
away from it as if he were taking a sugar-coated pill when he 
hears it read, for it tells of the tyranny and inhumanity of his fathers 
in attempting to crush and stamp out American libert}' by the most 
cruel oppression 

No man ever yet thanked another for whipping him, nor any nation 
return its gratitude in resolutions of thanks to the victor when defeated. 
In the conquest of California, which was surrendered by treaty and 
the sum of fifteen millions of dollars paid to the Mexican Government 
for it, fifteen millions of dollars more should have been paid to the 
native Spanish California families, instead of impoverishing them in 
forcing them to employ rapacious attornej's to prove their land titles 
before the U. S. Land Commission and all the courts, which reduced the 
greater number at last to abject poverty. The male portion of the Spanish 
California population gradually submitted and accustomed themselves 
to the new order of things, but the female portion to-day, as a general 
thing, remains unchanged in their sentiments If they marry Ameri- 
cans or Europeans, who form marital ties (the latter perhaps largely 
from mercenary motives), the offspring imbibe the same sentiments of 
their mothers who shape and mould the characters of their children. 
Consequently, it is but an alloyed patriotism at the best, from such a 
source, and is easily perverted under the influence of designing schem- 
ers, who have only their own selfish aims in view^. 

It is this which causes a cloud of apathy and indifference to hang 
like a pall over the ancient Capital of Spanish and Mexican California, 
and keep it still in the background and in the rear of onward march 
and improvement, where nature has done so much for it, and given it 
the most beautiful harbor, with good anchorage for the largest ships, 
whose waters are alive with fish from the smallest minnows to the 
largest whales where sardines are caught with hooks without bait, and 
baskets filled by the bushel from drop-nets from the wharf in that pis- 
catorial paradise. 

As an illustration of the backward condition of Monterey at the 
time, there had been no less than 216 Masonic Lodges organized in 
California, and twenty-one j-ears had passed since the Grand Lodge of 
Masons of California had been organized, before an effort was made to 
organize one under its authority at Montere}-, when Rro. Thomas G. 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 247 

lyambert, the Receiver of the Sloat Monument Association, with the 
assistance of a few others, took the necessary steps for that purpose, 
and the Dispensation was granted June 19, 187 1, and the Lodge duly 
organized. Scarcely had this been done, when fanatical hostility from 
a clerical quarter manifested itself, the Masons were denounced, and 
the people urged to rise and drive the institution out of the town, as 
Masonry was the Devil himself. The fanatic imagined himself as being 
in his own country of Spain. He was accosted in the streets of Mon- 
terey by Bro. Lambert, one da}^ (and who is a retired Yankee sea cap- 
tain of a whaler, and then, as he is now. Justice of the Peace), and in^ 
formed "that he might denunciate Masonr}^ or anything else he chose to 
on his own premises; but that if he commenced to stir up strife and 
trouble on the public streets of Monterey, that he would make a street 
dust rag of him and immerse him in the waters of the bay, and act the 
part of St. John the Baptist himself," and he certainly would have 
done it at that time. 

From the time of the organization of Monterey Lodge, No. 217, F. 
and A. M., there has been something of an improvement in that town, 
and it has done as well, if not better, than was expected from the lim- 
ited supply of material from which to make its selection, and it has 
been of stead}- and slow growth in that eddy where population from 
abroad has been but small in comparison with other towns in Califor- 
nia, while nature itself has made it more attractive and supplied it with 
greater resources than almost any other seacoast town in California. 
In time Monterey may change for the better, as it is hoped it will. 
Compulsory education was enforced upon the native Indians by the 
Missionary Fathers, but the seeds of patriotism cannot be planted by 
firing them into the ground from a shotgun, nor a supply of patriotic 
American blood be infused by a squirt from a syringe, or from a steam 
force pump. It has to come up and grow spontaneousl}^ from the soil 
first and then be carefully and properly cultivated afterwards. The Amer- 
ican population in Monterey need reinforcement b)' immigration from 
elsewhere to advance it to the high and proud position to which it 
ought to attain in the estimation of an enlightened world. The early 
American settlers who still survive have worn themselves out in their 
long life service to improve that part of the State, and impoverished 
themselves in so doing, and ere long abalone shells of the cretacean 
period will be holding their ashes, while a grateful countrj' will not 
altogether be unmindful of their devotion and faithful services. 



248 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 



CONCLUSION. 

We now bring this "Life of the Late Rear-Admiral John 
Drake Sloat," and subsequent events in connection with the Sloat 
Monument up to date, to a close. We shall continue the work of 
building the monument until it is finished and the statue of the gallant 
Sloat unveiled, amidst the cheers of thousands who will be present on 
that occasion, and amidst the thundering roar of cannon from vessels 
of war and batteries on shore. There will be true patriotic American 
journals in Monterey, edited by true Americans, to record the event, and 
there will be no more insulting of an Admiral or other officer of the U. S, 
Navy when that joyful occurrence takes place, and Montere}^ will have 
been redeemed from the claws of the few human alligators and coyotes 
which have infested that localit)^ too long, and who, when not preying 
upon each other, have looked upon all visitors from abroad as their 
lawful prey. In December, 1850, the Grand Master of the Grand 
Lodge of Masons of the District of Columbia, in reply to a letter writ- 
ten by Bro, Capt. George H. Derby of the U. S. Army from Monterey, 
wrote to him, using the language of David to his servants who had 
been badl}- treated by the Syrians, by having one-half of their beards 
shaved off and their garments cut off in the middle above their waists, 
and he sent them word to "tarry in Jericho until their beards be grown " 
We do not know how long Bro. Derbj^ remained in that locality, but 
his beard must have grown very fast, for we met him in Sonoma 
shortly afterwards 

We have herein portrayed the whole truth of history from the evi- 
dence given us and from our observations and experiences. We there- 
fore submit this work to our readers with gratitude to the Supervisors 
of Counties and others who have aided us in the building of the Sloat 
Monument thus far, and earnestly appeal to those Counties who have 
not supplied stones to come forward and help the Veterans of the Mex- 
ican War, the Pioneers, the Native Sons and Daughters of the Golden 
West, to complete it, and thus we deliver this truthful history and biog- 
raphy into your hands. 

Respectfully yours, EDWIN A. SHERMAN. 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake vSloat 249 



ADDENDA. 

[Copy of Geu. Ketchain's Explanatory Letter.] 

Stockton, Cala., July 8, 1902. 
iVajor E. A. Sherman, Secretary Sloat Hloiiuinent Association, Sjj Jackson St., 
Oakland, Cala.: 

Dear Sir and Comrade: Your favor of 7th inst., enclosing Reports of the 
Proceedings of the Sloat Monument Association, was duly received. I find that, 
after the perusal of the same, I have done the Citizens of Monterey an uninten- 
tional injustice. You are right in presuming that ivhat I did say had reference 
to the celebration of 1S96. 

In saying I stated that I had no personal knowledge of the matter, but that I 
had been informed by Citizens of Monterey that Senator Geo. C. Perkins had in- 
itiated a subscription in San Francisco for the Sloat Monument; that the money 
so collected, instead of being paid over to the Sloat Monument Fund, had got 
into the hands of the Citizens' Committee at Monterey, and that the Sloat Mon- 
ument received but ^150.00 of the amount (the amount collected I understand to 
be 13,600.00, your Reports state |r, 62900), I had no expectation of this being 
published, but partly to explain one of the reasons why the members of the As- 
sociation were not anxious to parade with the Monterey Celebration. 

There were various inaccuracies in the accounts published. For instance, 
"Gen. Ketcham hoisted the Flag on the Custom House," which he did not do. 
Capt. Adams invited Gen. Ketcham to accompany him to the verandah, but 
Capt. Adams hoisted the Flag. It was stated that "Capt. Adams turned over the 
command of the troops to Gen. K." It was understood that Gen. K., when the 
procession was formed, should place himself at the head of the column and put 
it in motion; but the troops were not formally turned over to him. 

It was also stated that "after my arrival at Monterey I went north and cam- 
paigned three months and then resigned." The fact was I went south to La Paz, 
and remained in the service until the 22d of October, when the command was 
mustered out of the service, perhaps the last M. W. Volunteers to be mustered 
out. 

Since writing the above, I have looked over an article in the Chronicle of to- 
day, in which it is stated that "Senator Perkins did not donate :f3,ooo.oo, and so 
my statement falls to the ground." I did not hear that he did; but that he 
started a subscription for the Sloat Monument Fund in San Francisco, and that 
the proceeds were sent to Monterey for the use of the Sloat Monument; but ac- 
cording to the Chronicle that was a mistake. 

The Chronicle is right in supposing that I had reference to the celebration of 
1S96. 

You will believe me when I say that it would grieve me to do an injustice to 
any one. 

Yours truly, Thos. E. Ketcham, 

Marshal Sloat Monument Association. 

Many thanks lor your kindness. 

Ketcham. 

[Note.— Gen. Ketcham had not then been informed of the true state of affairs, 
and of what had recently occurred at San Jose and Monterey. He was right in 
the spirit but in error as to the facts when he first made his statement. E. A. S } 



250 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 



APPENDIX. 

We take the following from the Appendix of the admirable speech 
of the Hon. George C. Perkins, U. S. Senator from California, deliv- 
ered before the U. S. Senate, June 10, 1902, upon the building of war 
vessels at the Mare Island Navy Yard. It has reference to the location 
of that site by Commodore John Drake Sloat, U. S. N., in 1852: 

I will not longer trespass upon the time of the Senate, but will ask permission 
of the Senate to insert in the Record as an appendix to my remarks a concise his- 
tory of the selection of the present site by Commodore Sloat, who was Chairman 
of the Commission which located the Mare Island Navy Yard in California, and 
also such action as appears of record which has since been taken. 

The President pro tempore. Is there objection? The Chair hears none, and 
■the matter will be printed in the Record. 

The Appendix is as follows: 

The following copies of letters and documents give all the information avail- 
able relative to the establishment of a Navy Yard at Mare Island: 

Navy Department, Washington, June 7, 1902. 

Sir: Replying to your request of June 5th, that you be furnished with a sum- 
mary of the history of the establishment of the United States Navy Yard at Mare 
Island, Cal., I enclose herewith copy of Report No. 14, Thirty-second Congress, 
first session, submitted by Mr. Gwin, to accompany Senate Bill No. 15; copy of 
letter of Secretary of the Navy to Commodore Joseph A. Smith, Chief of the 
Bureau of Yards and Docks, dated January 1.5, 1852, and the latter's reply there- 
to, nominating officers composing Commission to choose a site for the California 
dock; the precept of the Secretary of the Navy, dated January 27, 1852, to these 
officers, viz.: Commodore John D, Sloat, Commander C. Ringgold, Lieut. S. F. 
Blunt, and Engineer W. P. S. Sanger, constituting them as a Board to examine 
the shores and waters of the Bay of San Francisco, in California, for the purpose 
of selecting a site for a Navy Yard and depot, etc.; copy of letter of the Secretary 
of the Navy of December 13, 1852, to the Board, requesting them to state their 
opinion as to the nature of the tract lately surveyed by the Board in California 
for a site for a Navy Yard, known as Mare Island; ccpy of the Act approved Au- 
gust 31, 1852, authorizing and directing the Secretary of the Navy to select a site 
in the Bay of San Francisco, and the report of the Board dated December 13, 
J852. 

I enclose, for your further information, extract from the Directory of the City 
of Vallejo of 1870, concerning the origin of the name ''Mare Island." 

In Executive Document No. 31, House of Representatives, Forty-sixth Con- 
gress, second session, is the letter of the Secretary of the Navy in answer to reso- 
lutions of the House of January 21, 18S0, calling for "any and all information in 
possession of his Department relating to the formation of bars and deposits of 
mud, sand and gravel at or near Mare Island," etc. The plan attached to the 
document shows depth of water in front of Yard 

Transmitted herewith is a copy of the report of the Board of Civil Engineers, 
of which W. P. S. Sanger, U. S. N., was senior member, appointed to prepare a 
plan for the improvement of the Navy Yard at Mare Island, California, 1873. 



Life of Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat 251 

This is all the information concerning the selection of the site and the estab. 
lishment of the United States Navy Yard at Mare Island, California, in possession 
of the Navy Department. 

Very respectfully, W. H. Moody, Secretary. 

Hon. Geo. C. Perkins, U. S. Senate, Washington, D. C. 

[Thirty-second Congress, First Session.] 

An Act making appropriations for the naval service for the year ending the 30lh 

of June, 1853. (Approved August 3 r, 1S52.) 

* ******* 

Sec. 3. And be it further enacted, That the Secretary of the Navy be, and he 
is hereby, authorized and directed to select a site for a navy yard and naval depot 
in the Bay of San Francisco, in California, or neighboring waters, either by pur- 
chase or by reservation of public lands, as the case may be, and shall cause the 
same to be surveyed and a plat thereof to be recorded in proper form; and when 
such selection shall have been made, the said Secretary shall make such arrange- 
ments as may be necessary to establish a navy j-ard and naval depot upon the 
most approved and economical plan on the site so obtained, and cause to be 
erected a foundry, machine shop, blacksmith's shop, boiler shop, engine house, 
pattern shop, carpenter shop and storehouse, and for the purpose of carrying this 
section into effect the sum of $100,000 be, and the same is hereby, appropriated 
out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated. 

Sec. 4. And be it further enacted, That the Secretary of the Navy be, and he 
hereby is, directed to appoint some suitable naval officer or engineer to receive 
and superintend the construction of the floating dry dock in California. 

Navv Department, January 15, 1852. 
Sir: You will be pleased to name three naval officers and one engineer to 
compose a commission to choose a site for the California dock. 

I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant. Will A. Graham. 

Commodore Joseph Smith, 

Chief of Bureau of Navy Yards and Docks. 

Bureau of Yards and Docks, January i6, 1S52. 
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 15th 
instant, and in compliance with your direction to name three naval officers and 
one engineer to compose a commission to choose a site for the California dock, I 
respectfully nominate Commodore John D. Sloat, Commander C. Ringgold, Lieut. 
Simon F. Blunt, and Engineer William P. S. Sanger, as suitable and proper per- 
sons to compose that commission. 

I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant, 

Jos. Smith. 
Hon. William A. Graham, Secretary of the Navy. 

Navy Department, January 27, 1852. 

Gentlemen: You are hereby constituted and appointed a Board to examine 
the shores and waters of the Bay of San Francisco, in California, for the purpose 
of selecting a site for a Navy Yard and depot, including a naval hospital and 
marine barracks. 

You will prepare yourself for this duty and proceed to San Francisco in the 
steamer which is to sail about the last of March next from New York for Chagres 
or Nicaragua. 



252 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

You will make a requisition upon the Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography 
for such instruments as you deem necessary for this service. 

You are authorized to visit and examine for your information and satisfaction 
the floating dry dock at the Navy Yard at Philadelphia and also of the working 
of the floating dry dock in New York City. 

You are authorized to appoint a draftsman, who will also act as Secretary to 
the Board, and you will be allowed three chainmen, who, in addition to their ap- 
propriate duties, shall perform such other service as the Board may direct. 

On your arrival at San Francisco, you will call on the commanding naval ofii- 
cer present to furnish for the service you are directed to perform such facilities 
and assistance as you may require and he may have under his control. 

If there should be no suitable vessel in the squadron for your use you will 
procure, on the best terms practicable, a small sailing or other vessel, and other 
necessary appointments which the squadron can not furnish for the efficient pro- 
tection of the work confided to you, and in case of the death or total disability 
of any member of the Board the Commandant of the Pacific Squadron will ap- 
point a successor. When ready you will proceed to explore thoroughly and min- 
utely the waters bordering en and the shores of said bay, noting and recording 
as you proceed, the various advantages and disadvantages of both land and water 
for the location of a Navy Yard and depot for the purposes above indicated. 

After having examined these to your satisfaction, you will confer and consult 
upon the result of your labor, and select the site best suited to the various pur- 
poses of a Navy Yard, hospital and barracks, and in making up your judgments 
you will keep in view for attainment, as far as may be, the following prominent 
objects, viz.: 

First. Its security from attacks by an enemy, and its facilities and economy 
for defense. 

Second. Its security from violent winds and sea, and the accommodation for 
safe anchorage in its adjacent waters. 

Third. Its adaptation to the construction of a permanent stone dock, and for 
the working of a sectional floating dry dock, in connection with a basin and 
railway, if a basin and railway be practicable in those waters. 

Fourth. The facilities for procuring, and the accommodations for boarding 
mechanics, and workmen of various classes. 

Fifth. The facilities afforded for procuring most readily materials, supplies, 
and stores of all kinrls. 

Sixth. Its fitness and adaptation for the construction of piers, wharves, launch- 
ing ships, and building ways, storehouses for the reception and keeping of 
various stores, marine hospital and barracks, workshops of the different kinds 
required for the building and repairs of sailing and steam vessels of the Navy, 
and such dwellings for the officers attached to the Yard as you may deem neces- 
sary. 

Before you shall decide upon the point and location of the depot, in support 
of your opinion upon the advantages and practicability of its military defense, 
you will call to your assistance and confer with Capt. Henry Wager Halleck or 
other engineer of the United States Army, who will be instructed to give the 
Board his experience and advice upon this very important subject. 

After you shall have agreed and decided upon the best location available, you 
will make a plan of the ground, showing the different elevations, with the topog- 
raphy, as well as may be, the plan to embrace the water near the shore, giving 
the soundings and description of the ground under water, with the height of the 



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W. BRO. HON. JOHN WHICHER 

W. M. of King David's Lodge No. 2oq, F. & A. M. of Sau Luis Obispo, CaL County Clerk of "San Lu 
Obispo, Cal. and who laid the stone of that County in the base of the Sloat Monument at Monterey, Cal., c 
January 2, 1902. 





W. BRO. DELOS WM. SMYTHE 
W. M. of Friendship Lodge No. 210, F. and A. M., San 
Jose, Cal., who laid the Santa Clara County Stone in the 
base of the Sloat Monument at Monterey, Cal., on No- 
vember 2, 1901. 



COL. GEORGE THISTIvETON 

Senior Vice-President of the Associated Veterans 
the Mexican War, San Francisco, Cal. 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 253 

•water during freshets aud their duration; also, the rise and fall of the tides, and 
the course aud velocity of the currents. Upon the plan you will work out ou a 
convenient scale what in your judgment are the best locations for a floating dock, 
basin and railway (if basin and railway are practicable there), stone dock, piers and 
wharves, ship house and launching ship, storehouses, foundry, machine aud boiler 
shops, blacksmiths' shop, joiners' shop, offices and dwellings for officers. Navy 
hospital and marine barracks. 

You will ascertain, as far as practicable, from observation and iuquiry, what 
is the effect, if the evil exists to any extent, of the marine worm in those waters. 
You will inform yourselves, as far as practicable, of the kinds and qualities of 
materials for the constructiou of fabiics of masonry and wood, and of the best 
means of procuring them. You will preserve all your original minutes, observa- 
tions and drawings, and when the duty assigned you shall be completed, which 
the Department trusts will not occasion your absence over four or five mouths, 
you will return to the City of Washington and make your report to the Depart- 
ment, with the necessary plans and descriptions of what you have done in the 
premises. 

You will ascertain whether the site you may select be the propertj' of the 
United States or of individuals, and, if the latter, inquire into the title and prob- 
able cost, and you are at liberty to enter into contract for a tract of laud sufficient 
for the purposes aforesaid (if the title of the place selected be not iu the United 
States), subject to the ratification of this Department. 

These instructioas you will regard as confidential, and will proceed in their 
execution and report your proceedings thereon with all practicable despatch. 

Wishing you health and success in this important service and a safe return, 
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant. 

Will a. Graham. 

Commodore John D. Sloat, 

Commander C. Ringgold, 

Lieut. S. F. Blunt, and 

W. P. S. Sanger, 

Washington, D. C. 

Unfortunately the report of the Sloat Board cannot be found among the rec- 
ords of the Navy Department, but Hou. R. W. Thompson, Secretar}' of the Navy, 
in a communication to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Januar}^ 27, 
1880, said: 

"I have the honor to state that in the j'ear 1S52 a board of naval officers was 
appointed to examine the Bay of San Francisco and adjacent waters and to select 
a site for a Navy Yard. This Board made a very careful examination of the 
points supposed to possess the requisite advantages for a naval station, and, after 
mature deliberation, came to a conclusion, agreeing with the report of a former 
Board composed of Army and Navy officers, that Mare Island was the most eligi- 
ble and advantageous position that could be found in the waters of the Bay of 
San Francisco and its adjacent waters for naval purposes, and they reported ac- 
cordingly." 

Navy Department, Washington, December 13, 1S52. 
Gentlemen: You will oblige me by stating your opinion as to the nature of 
the tract lately surveyed by you in Calilornia for a site for a Navy Yard, known 
as Mare Island. I det-ire to have your estimate of its value, with all its append- 
ages and advantages, regarding depth of water, harbors, etc. Your opinion may 
be formed without reference to the question of title, of which I could not expect 



254 Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat 

you to express an official judgment, my object being to obtain some guide in the 
estimate of its value for land and water, with a view to a contract of purchase. 
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

John P. Kennedy. 
Commodore J. D. Sloat, U. S. N., Washington, D. C. 
Commander W. S. Ogden, U. S. N., Washington, D. C. 
Lieut. S. F. Blunt, U. S. N., Washington, D. C. 
Engineer W. S. Sanger, U. vS, N., Washington, D. C. 

Washington, December 13, 1852. 
Hon. John P. Kennedy, Secretary of the Navy — 

Sir: In answer to your letter of this date asking "your (our) opinion as to 
the value of the tract lately surveyed by you (us) in California for a site for a 
Navy Yard, known as Mare Island," and desiring to have "your (our) estimate of 
its value, with all its appendages and advantages regarding depth of water, har- 
bor, etc.," and stating that "your (our) opinion may be formed without refererce 
to the question of title, of which I (you) could not expect you (us) to express an 
official judgment, my (your) object being to obtain some guide in the estimate of 
its value for land and water, with a view to a contract of purchase," we have the 
honor to state the island, including the tule opposite Vallejo, contains about 900 
acres, in addition to a large tract of tule extending toward Napa and Sonoma. 
There is ample space for all the buildings required for a Navy Yard, with good 
anchorage for ships of war; and, as stated in our report of the 6ih ultimo, we 
consider it the most eligible location near San Francisco. 

In reference to the value of this site for the purposes of a naval establishment 
combining, as it does, all the advantages stated in our report with respect to 
depth of water and general commodiousness as a harbor we are of the opinion, 
though we are aware that a large portion of it, say, nearly three-fourths, was re- 
cently purchased for a much less sum, that it would not perhaps be overestimated 
for the contemplated uses of the United States at f 100,000. 
Very respectfully, your obedient servants, 

John D. Sloat. 

Wm. S. Ogden, Commander, U. S. N. 

Simon Fraser Blunt, Sr., U. S. N. 

W. P. S. Sanger. 

United States Brig "Major Eastland," 

Mare Island Straits, July 13, 1852. 
Sir: I have the honor to inform the Department. that the Board appointed 
to select a site for a Navy Yard and depot in the Bay of San Francisco have, after 
a careful examination, come to the conclusion that Mare Island is by far the 
most eligible location for that purpose in these waters. 

The Board will present their plan of the survey and detailed report on their 
return to Washington, according to instructions. 

The island is held in eighty shares by five persons. The District Attorney is 
now examining the titles. If found good, the Boaid will endeavor to ascertain 
for what amount it can be purchased, and conclude an arrangement, if thought 
advisable, subject to the approval of the Department. 

The Board hope to be able to leave for Washington on the ist of August. 
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, 

John D. Sloat, 
Hon. William A. Graham, Senior Officer of the Board. 

Secretary of the Navy, Washington City. 



Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 255 

New York City, August 31, 1852. 

Sir: I have the honor to inform the Department of the arrival this day in 
New York City, of the Board for the establishment of the location of the Navy 
depot and dry dock at or near San Francisco, Cal. 

In consideration of the debilitating nature of the journey from California, I 
have thought it advisable to delay the meeting of the Board at Washington City, 
until the ist day of October, by which time the duplicate charts and drawing in- 
struments will have arrived which left San Franctsco in the steamer of the 15th 
August. 

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, . 

Hon. John P. Kennedy, Secretary of the Navy. 

Washington City, D. C, October i, 1852. 
Sir: The instructions to the Board appointed to select a site for a Navy Yard 
in the Bay of San Francisco require topographical drawings of the several points 
examined; and as the Department is in haste for the report of the Board, it is 
necessary, in order to expedite the work, that a topographical draftsman be em- 
ployed. I therefore respectfully ask authority to employ a suitable person for 
that purpose. 

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

John D. Sloat, 
Senior Officer of the Board. 
Hon. John P. Kennedy, Secretary of the Navy. 

Washington, December 9, 1852. 
Hon. John P. Kennedy. Secretary of the Navy — 

Sir: I have the honor to enclose herewith the report in triplicate (with maps 
and plans referred to therein) of the Board appointed to select a site for a Navy 
Yard and depot, etc., at or near San Francisco. 

The Board respectfully awaits your further disposition. 

Very re-pectfuUy, your obedient servant, John D. Sloat, 

Senior Officer of the Board. 

This letter, together with the report in triplicate and maps and plans re. 
ferred to, did not reach the files of the Department until the 26th of February, 
1853, having been retained by the Secretary of the Navy pending a negotiation 
witb Wm. H. Aspinwall, of New York, for the purchase of Mare Island. See 
letter of Secretary of Navy to Mr. Aspinwall of date the 26th of February, 1853 

Navy Department, February 2, 1853. 

Sir: I have the honor to submit to your consideration the accompanying 
papers, relating to the title of Mare Island, in the Bay of San Francisco, in Cali- 
fornia, for your opinion. 

In pursuance of the duty assigned to me by the Act of the last session of Con- 
gress making appropriations for the naval service and directing the Department 
to select and purchase a site for a Navy Yard in California, my attention has been 
drawn to Mare Island, which has been recommended to the Department by a 
board of officers appomted to examine and report upon the various localities in 
California adapted to the proposed establishment. I have consequently entered 
into negotiations with those who claim to be the owners of this island with a 
view to its purchase. 

The papers now submitted to you will show the nature of the contract I have 



556 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 

made and the character of the title offered to the Goverument. These papers 
are — 

1. A contract dated December 10, 1852, with William H. Aspinwall, wherein 
he, as representative of the proprietors, has contracted on his own part and on 
the part of all other parties interested in the ownership of Mare Island or claim- 
ing any interest in the same, to convey by good and sufficient deed or deeds the 
entire and absolute fee simple in that tract of land to the United States. 

2. A deed executed by said Aspinwall and others and offered in pursuance of 
this contract. 

3. Copies of certain deeds on record in California purporting to show the 
•validity of the title of said Aspinwall and the parties he represents. 

4. Some memoranda of an adverse title to said land set up by Henry Sanford. 

5. A note of the opinion of Messrs. Halleck, Peachy and Billings, of California, 
expressing their views of the validity of the title offered by Aspinwall and his 
associates. 

6. The opinion of George W. Cooley, Esq., the law agent in California, of the 
United States, which opinion has been communicated at my request, mvitmghim 
to inform this Department what questions of fact and law are proper to be inves- 
tigated with a view to ascertain the character of the title to this land, Mr. 
Cooley's large experience in the investigation of California laud titles, derived 
from his professional duties there, enables him to point out very fully the proper 
course of inquiry for the ascertainment of this title, and his opinion will greatly 
facilitate your examination of the subject. 

7. A printed pamphlet containing the opinion of the Board of Commissioners 
of California land claims in several cases which presented man}' cases of interest 
in the investigation of titles, and which opinions are referred to in the communi- 
cation of Mr. Cooley. 

This Department has plats or charts describing Mare Island and its append- 
ages, furnished by ihe Board of officers on their recent inspection and survey, 
with other papers illustrative of the subject, which will be submitted to your ex- 
amination if you should find it necessary to refer to them. 

The Department is desirous to obtain your opiniou, with a view to its final 
determination on the contract, and in pursuance of the duty imposed upou it by 
the (an omission in the letter). 

1 beg leave to call your attention — 

First, to the consideration of the character and validity of the title offered by 
Mr. Aspinwall in pursuance of his contract with the Department. 

Second, to the consideration of the coufiicting title set up by Mr. Sanford. 

Third, to the question whether, supposing the title offered by Mr. Aspinwall 
•to be doubtful, the title rests in any other party or whether it belongs to the 
United States. 

You will oblige me by stating what doubts or difficulties you may perceive to 
exist in the title offered by Mr. Aspinwall, the points of litigation to which it 
might possibly give rise, and the embarrassments it might present to the Govern- 
ment if this Department should take possession on any supposed title resting in 
the Government without purchasing the conflicting claims of Mr. Aspinwall and 
the other owners whom he represents. This point may be material to the de- 
cision of the Department in concluding any negotiations for the purchase. 

I have the honor to be, with the most respectful consideration, your obedient 
servant, John P. Kennedy. 

Hon. J. J. Crittenden, 

Attorney-General United States. 



Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat 257 

The Commission on Navy Yards reported on December i, 1883. to the Secre- 
tary of the Navy in regard to the advantages of the Mare Island Navy Yard as 
follows: 

"Its approaches may be successfully defended against the attacks of a powerful 
enemy; it is far enough removed from the sea to be beyond the reach of guns of 
the longest range, or any possibility of being captured by a coup de main, and yet 
not so far as to make it difficult of access. The adjacent harbor is good and per- 
fectly secure in all weathers. The channel is deep and never obstructed by ice. 
The climate is even and salubrious the year round, and suitable to outdoor work. 
The soil and characteristics of the site are such that dry docks or basins may be 
constructed at reasonable cost. The Napa discharges at every ebb tide an amount 
of fresh water which proves fatal to the teredo, a marine worm destructive of the 
bottoms of wooden ships and pilings of wharves or other woodwork placed in 
salt water. 

"The yard is convenient to the railroad communications, which center on the 
opposite shore of Napa Straits and on the shores of the Straits of Karqnines, about 
a mile distant. The convenient supply of fine timber for wooden shipbuilding is 
practically inexhaustible. The depth of water abreast the Yard front averages 
28 feet at mean low tide, and abreast Commission Rock, an obstruction that can 
be easily removed at a small expense, 21 feet. Mean rise and fall of tide, 6 feet 5 
inches. On the principal water front there are from 24 to 26 feet at mean low 
water, and this depth may be easily and cheaply maintained by occasional dredg- 
ing. There is no difficulty in our heaviest draft ships going up to the quay wall 
at any stage of the tide." 

[Extracts from Directory of City of Vallejo, Cal., of 1870.] 
MARE ISLAND — WHY SO CALLED. 

Frequent inquiry has been made as to the origin of the name "Mare Island," 
and most generally the explanation thereof has been faulty. It is a matter of 
local interest that may find an appropriate place in a directory of Vallejo, with 
which the island is so intimately connected. The name had its origin in this 
way: In early days the only ferryboat on the waters near Vallejo and Benicia was 
a rude one, made chiefly of oil barrels obtained from whaling ships and propelled 
by sails. These barrels were secured together by beams and planking, and it was 
divided into compartments for the accommodation of cattle, to the transportation 
of which it was chiefly devoted. 

One day, while this boat was coming from Martinez to Benicia, a sudden squall 
overtook it, and the craft pitched fearfully. The animals (chiefly horses) became 
restive, and some of them were thrown with such force against the weak partition 
that they broke through it. The boat was upset and the living cargo thrown into 
the bay. Some of the live stock were drowned and some managed to reach 
either shore by swimming. One of the horses (an old white mare, owned and 
much prized by Gen. Vallejo) succeeded in effecting a landing on the island and 
was rescued there a few days after by the General, who thereupon called the place 
"Isla de la Yegua," or Mare Island. This is the absolute fact and the whole his- 
tory of the above-named Mare Island. 

GOVERNMENT POSSESSION. 

The Government of the United States took formal possession of Mare Island 
in 1854, through that noble and illustrious naval hero. Admiral David G. Farra- 
gut, then a Commander in the Navy, who came here with a single war vessel and 
commenced operations. At first a modest building or two sufficed for the wants 



258 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Si.oat 

of the Government. Now more than a score of stately structures are seen, and 
1,600 mechanics and laborers are barely adequate to supply the wants of the 
service. 

Admiral Farragut remained in command about four years, and it was under 
his supervision that most of the buildings were projected and put up. The plans 
were drawn and the Yard laid out by W. P. Sanger, Civil Engineer of the Navy 
Department. 



OCT ■-/ -'1902 



OCT 9 



im 



